The Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) relief program has provided billions of dollars in financial support for private and independent schools since its launch in early 2021.
EANS was introduced to help schools recover from hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program gives governors nationwide access to funds to distribute to non-public schools based on financial need.
In March 2021, a second round of $2.75 billion in funding was announced, referred to as EANS 2.0. There are a few differences with EANS 2.0. Recipients of EANS 2.0 can only use the funds for future expenses, not as reimbursement for past expenses (which was a feature of the first round of EANS funds). There’s also an added emphasis on sending funds to non-public schools serving a significant number of low-income families.
How are EANS Funds Being Used
The Department of Education allowed states and schools the opportunity to determine how EANS funds are used, as related to safely reopening schools, continuing instruction, and addressing learning loss. Since its inception, the following items have been funded by EANS:
- Coronavirus testing and contact tracing
- CDC-recommended materials or supplies needed to reopen
- Cleaning/sanitizing school facilities.
- Obtaining personal protective equipment.
- Improving ventilation systems.
- Transportation
In addition, to provide continuous instruction and address learning loss, there has also been a focus on classroom technology, lessons and materials, primarily in the areas of:
- Education technology.
- Redeveloping instructional plans
- Training/professional development for teachers and leaders.
According to a report by the Association of School Business Officials, 56% of school districts with ESSER III funding are using the funds to address unfinished learning. And the same is expected for EANS Funding.
Using EANS 2.0 for Boardworks in Your School
We often hear from independent schools how difficult it is to find quality classroom technology resources that are both easy-to-use and customizable for each teacher’s needs. Boardworks has been filling this need for thousands of schools across the country, including hundreds of independent schools, with our K-12 supplemental resources in Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies that are fully editable and designed to optimize the use of existing classroom technology.
With our extensive library of high-quality content of over 30,000 slides – quickly sharable without logins – to support student success, Boardworks is an ideal fit for time and often resource-strapped independent schools.
And since EANS 2.0 includes the additional requirement that funds go to eligible nonpublic schools that enroll a significant percentage of students from low-income families (20-47% in the poverty range), Boardworks remains a good choice when deciding how to use funds.
Boardworks is a trusted partner for low-income schools nationwide, many in rural areas. Read this case study on how a small school district in Colorado used Boardworks when faced with limited resources.
The flexibility to leverage Boardworks to support students in a remote, hybrid, or in-person environment, supplement learning materials for high achievers and those struggling alike, and provide teachers with valuable, easy-to-use resources to support dynamic lesson planning, makes it an excellent fit for independent schools.
With a lifetime license to Boardworks, schools can ensure all teachers and students have the resources they need for years to come without the risk of losing access in a future year if funding changes. If you are interested in learning more about how Boardworks can help maximize your use of EANS funds, request a demo or reach out to a member of our team to discuss how the platform can support your efforts.
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