COVID-19 Updates: January 15

New Guidance and Webinars:  

• The Arizona Department of Education sent a reminder to LEAs this week encouraging all schools to consider leveraging funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act (ESSER), ESSER II, or ESG (Enrollment Stability Grant) funds to pay for sick leave for staff who have tested positive or were exposed to COVID-19. ESSER I and II funds may also be used to support release time and coverage for testing and vaccination as needed. Additionally, ADE continues to urge LEAs to be as flexible as possible with sick leave and absence policies.  
• Additional information on new ‘ESSER II’ federal relief funds will be shared in our joint webinar with the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) on January 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Registration is open to school leaders and a recording of the webinar will be available after.  

Reopening of Schools:  

• As of January 15th, twenty LEAs had current waivers for providing on-site support services. A complete list of the LEAs with accepted waivers is on the COVID page under On-site Services Waiver Request.  

In the Media:  

• Superintendent Hoffman spoke to several media outlets about Governor Ducey’s “State of the State” address. Superintendent continues to urge the Governor and legislature to fully fund distance, hybrid, and in-person learning of our public schools. 
  • Arizona Republic 
  • KJZZ 
  • KTAR