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Owner: Yaxin Wang
Owner Email: ywan1305@asu.edu
Paper Title: Addressing Disparities: The Role of ESSER Grants in Arizona School Funding (Poster 24)
Session Title: Division L Poster Session, Section 6: School Finance and Human Capital
Paper Type: Poster Presentation
Presentation Date: 4/23/2025
Presentation Location: Denver, CO
Descriptors: Equity, Finance, Policy
Methodology: Quantitative
Author(s): Yaxin Wang, Arizona State University
Unit: Division L - Educational Policies and Politics
Abstract: The student-based funding formula in Arizona leads to significant disparities in funding across different locations. Public school system heavily relies on local revenue sources. In this study, we aim to investigate how federal grants, specifically the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program, contribute to funding equalization in Arizona. ESSER was established during the pandemic to address learning losses among students. However, there remains limited understanding of how school districts allocate these funds. Preliminary findings indicate a substantial 41% increase in per-pupil expenditure compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite declines in student attendance. Notably, instructional and student support areas have seen significant boosts. Nevertheless, local education agencies across different locations and sizes have made varying decisions regarding evidence-based learning recovery activities.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/2189804