K-12 Organizations Face Many Challenges, but ESSER Funds can Help

Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic altered life as we know it, Congress issued some much-needed aid to education agencies through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. The relief bills in 2020 and 2021 totaled to nearly $190.5 billion for K-12 education organizations.  

These funds aim to help schools create safe learning environments both in-person and virtually, address pandemic-related learning losses, and provide support for students’ mental health.   

Local school districts each have their own set of unique challenges, which is why ESSER funds are designed to be allocated toward what’s needed most per area. Here’s what we’ve learned firsthand through our clients on the challenges K-12 organizations currently face.  

 

  1. Schools are being asked to create STEM and STEAM classrooms. K-12 organizations that prepare students for different learning paths in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts, Mathematics) fields have a competitive advantage in the current landscape. These learning paths and the various learning styles that come with them require flexible learning spaces. Franklin creates innovative solutions for the classroom that allow all students and their learning styles to thrive.
     
  1. In a post-COVID world, students need to be spaced out and spaces need to be flexible. After experiencing a global pandemic, the way we co-exist and interact will never be the same. Classrooms need to be spaced out efficiently so that students can remain protected against germs and follow social distancing guidelines now and into the future. Franklin helps K-12 organizations understand why creating flexible spaces is the best option for a successful future. Our experienced team will analyze your space and your needs and provide solutions including rearrangeable furniture and spatial recognition. 
     
  1. Technology in the classroom is more important than ever. While many students are returning to the classroom, many will not. All organizations, K-12 included, will need to embrace the hybrid model as the “new normal.” Franklin offers solutions that help transform the classroom into a collaborative learning environment that brings in-person students and remote learners together.  

 

When you’re looking to take your K-12 or higher education space into the future, our team at Franklin has the ability to work with all budgets and needs through a fully integrated experience.

We’ll help you assess your current furniture and what should stay, and identify anything new you’ll need that meets your desired price range. From the design to the renderings, we’ll truly partner with you every step of the way. We can give you a showroom tour, factory tour, and even set up a pilot space so that you and your team can fully immerse yourselves in the experience of your future space.   

 

Ready to learn more? Get in touch.