Emergency Assistance for Non-Public School (EANS) Program

Emergency Assistance for Non-Public School (EANS) Program _

ARP-EANS (EANS II) Program 

On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. It is a $1.9 trillion package of assistance measures, including $2.75 billion for the American Rescue Plan’s Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS) program. These funds will remain available through September 30, 2024, for allocating to Governors under the ARP EANS program to provide services or assistance to non-public schools that enroll a significant percentage of low-income students and are most impacted by the qualifying emergency. Learn more about ARP-EANS https://oese.ed.gov/offices/american-rescue-plan/american-rescue-plan-emergency-assistance-to-non-public-schools/

The State Education Agency (SEA) or Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) under the ARP-EANS program will make up to $22,903,129 available to eligible Arkansas non-public schools. Please see the approved Arkansas ARP-EANS application here

U.S. Department of Education CRSA-EANS & ARP-EANS FAQ
https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/09/Final-EANS-FAQ-Update-9.17.21.pdf

Timeline for ARP-EANS Grant Awards:

EANS award approved and released to stateFebruary 18, 2022
Application opensMarch 29, 2022
Application closesMay 27, 2022
All payments must be finalizedSeptember 30, 2024
Consultation with non-public schools regarding inventorySeptember 2024


ARP-EANS Eligible Non-Public Schools: An eligible non-public school must meet the following criteria:

  1. A non-public school must meet or exceed 19.48 % poverty percentage and be most impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.
  2. The school requesting services or assistance is a non-profit school.
  3. The school requesting services or assistance existed and operated before March 13, 2020.
  4. The school requesting services or assistance is accredited, licensed, or otherwise approved by State law.  A non-public school must be incorporated as per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-2-102.
  5. The school requesting services or assistance did not and will not apply for and receive a loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)) that is made on or after December 27, 2020.

    NOTE: If a non-public school applies for a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, but does not receive funds under the PPP, the school may apply for services or assistance under the EANS program as long as the non-public school meets the requirements and deadlines of the application. If a non-public school applied for or received a PPP loan prior to December 27, 2020, it remains eligible for the EANS program. Similarly, if a non-public school applies for but does not receive services or assistance through EANS, nothing in the Education Stabilization Fund would preclude that non-public school from applying for and receiving a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020.
  6. No expenses may be reimbursed through a loan guaranteed under the PPP (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) prior to December 27, 2020.

ARP-EANS Timeline for applying: open March 29, 2022, through May 27, 2022 (at 11:59 pm).

Application:  https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ADESE


Application for review only: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JZ0Vx6KuxW8-vpCjgiCBrEXyXZdydrNk/view

Tutorials for application:

EANS II Eligibility Amount: Since Arkansas does not have student data on nonpublic schools, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has not predetermined whether any non-public schools are eligible or not eligible for ARP-EANS. This determination will be based on individual non-public school applications. The application will contain poverty data for the non-public school that will then be used in a formula to determine each applying non-public school’s eligibility amount for services. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) will take every step to ensure the data used for each non-public school is comparable to the census data used to determine its alternate significant percentage. The proportional share of the total funds available for eligible non-public schools will determine eligibility amounts. Priority will be given based on poverty data from the applicant and COVID-19 data from ACHI.  Eligibility amounts for ARP EANS funds will be posted in a Commissioner’s Memo and on the DESE website at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/fiscal-and-administrative-services/school-funding/emergency-assistance-for-non-public-schools-eans.

Timeline for Funds: Direct payments with EANS funds must be completed by September 30, 2024.

Arkansas Administration of EANS Funds: ADE manages ARP EANS funds through ClassWallet.

Arkansas ClassWallet Schools Login Webpage: https://app.classwallet.com/login

Tips for Vendors: https://www.tips-usa.com/allvendors.cfm

Uses of Funds: (all costs must be reasonable, necessary, and allowable) https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/09/Final-EANS-FAQ-Update-9.17.21.pdf
All services or assistance provided under EANS, including equipment, materials, and any other items, shall be secular, neutral, and non-ideological.  The Non-Public School understands that the control of funds provided and title to materials, equipment, and property purchased with such funds shall be in the public agency (SEA), and the SEA shall administer such funds, materials, equipment, and property.  The SEA must gain title to materials, equipment, and property for which it provides ARP-EANS funds.   At the end of the ARP-EANS funds (September 2024), the SEA will consult with the non-public school to determine if materials, equipment, and property remain in use at the non-public school or must be returned to the SEA.  This consultation may require additional documentation from the non-public school.

An eligible non-public school may apply to receive direct services or assistance only from the SEA or its contractors to address educational disruptions resulting from COVID-19 for:

A. Supplies to sanitize, disinfect, and clean school facilities
B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
C. Improving ventilation systems, including windows or portable air purification systems
D. Training and professional development for staff on sanitization, the use of PPE, and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases   
E. Physical barriers to facilitate social distancing
F. Other materials, supplies, or equipment recommended by the CDC for reopening and operation of school facilities to effectively maintain health and safety
G. Expanding capacity to administer coronavirus testing to monitor and suppress the virus effectively
H. Educational technology
I. Redeveloping instructional plans for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss 
J. Leasing sites or spaces to ensure social distancing
K. Reasonable transportation costs
L. Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss 

Under ARP-EANS, none of the above are eligible for reimbursement.

Requesting services or assistance:
An eligible non-public school may request services or assistance. Please contact Jayne.Green@ade.arkansas.gov for consultation prior to submitting a request for the following services or assistance. DESE will require a work order, including the final delivery date, prior to approval of services or assistance.  DESE will need documentation that any service or assistance has been received in full before payment is made to vendors.

Management of Inventory:
The SEA is required to manage items purchased under EANS for non-public school use.  Please keep in mind that:

Non-public schools may use items purchased with ARP-EANS funds throughout the performance period (through September 30, 2024) or until the items are no longer needed as per 34 CFR § 76.661.

Equipment the SEA purchases for non-public school use under EANS should be managed and disposed of in accordance with state laws and procedures as per 2 CFR § 200.313(b).

Supplies the SEA purchases for non-public school use under EANS should be managed and disposed of by federal rules for supplies as per 2 CFR § 200.314.

DESE will consult with non-public schools (September 2023) to determine the appropriate disposal of equipment and supplies.

Technical Assistance:
DESE will provide technical assistance to non-public schools through Commissioner's Memos, webinars, and upon request. General technical assistance will be posted on this webpage. Please send specific requests to Jayne.Green@ade.arkansas.gov.

Topic Date Supporting Documents
Commissioner’s Memo COM-22-134 
Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Program under the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP Act) and Webinar   
March 15, 2022 COM-22-134
ARP-EANS Webinar March 29, 2022 Presentation Slides 
 
Webinar Recording
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Updated as new questions are submitted. FAQs
ARP-EANS Eligibility Amounts July 2022 ADE-DESE Finance
ARP-EANS Webinar August 18, 2022 Presentation Slides

Webinar Recording

For more information, please contact:

Jayne Green, Coordinator of Federal Programs
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Federal Programs
1401 W. Capitol, Suite 430
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-2395 
Email: Jayne.Green@ade.arkansas.gov


CRRSA-EANS (EANS I) Program

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) provides $2.75 billion for the Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) program, part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.  Under the EANS program, the U.S. Department will award grants by formula to each Governor with an approved Certification and Agreement to provide services or assistance to eligible non-public schools to address the impact that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had and continues to have, on non-public school students and teachers in the State.  Learn more about EANS at https://oese.ed.gov/offices/education-stabilization-fund/emergency-assistance-non-public-schools/.

The State Education Agency (SEA) or Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) under Section 312(d) EANS will make up to $22,872,412 available to eligible Arkansas non-public schools. Please, see the approved Arkansas ARP-EANS application here.

Timeline for EANS Grant Awards:  

EANS award approved and released to state February 12, 2021
Application opens March 11, 2021
Application closes March 29, 2021
All reimbursements and payments must be finalized September 30, 2023
Consultation with non-public schools regarding inventory September 2023


Eligible Non-Public Schools: An eligible non-public school must meet the following criteria:

  1. The school requesting services or assistance is a non-profit school.
  2. The school requesting services or assistance existed and operated prior to March 13, 2020.
  3. The school requesting services or assistance is accredited, licensed, or otherwise approved to operate in accordance with State law.  A non-public school must be incorporated as per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-2-102.
  4. The school requesting services or assistance did not and will not apply for and receive a loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)) that is made on or after December 27, 2020.
    NOTE: If a non-public school applies for a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, but does not receive funds under the PPP, the school may apply for services or assistance under the EANS program as long as the non-public school meets the requirements and deadlines of the application. If a non-public school applied for or received a PPP loan prior to December 27, 2020, it remains eligible for the EANS program. Similarly, if a non-public school applies for but does not receive services or assistance through EANS, nothing in the Education Stabilization Fund would preclude that non-public school from applying for and receiving a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020.
  5. No expenses may be reimbursed through a loan guaranteed under the PPP (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) before December 27, 2020.

Timeline for applying: open March 11, 2021, through March 29, 2021 (at 11:59 pm).

Application: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ADESE

Application Deadline: March 29, 2021 (at 11:59 pm).

EANS I Eligibility Amount: DESE will determine the list of eligible non-public schools and then post the allocations.  The proportional share of the total funds available for eligible non-public schools will determine eligibility amounts. Priority will be given based on poverty data from the census and COVID-19 data from ACHI.  Eligibility amounts for EANS funds will be posted on a Commissioner’s Memo and the DESE website at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/fiscal-and-administrative-services/school-funding/emergency-assistance-for-non-public-schools-eansEANS I Final Adjusted Amount here.

Timeline for Funds: Reimbursement and payment with EANS funds must be completed by September 30, 2023.

Arkansas Administration of EANS Funds: It is managed using ClassWallet.

Arkansas ClassWallet Schools Login Webpage https://app.classwallet.com/login.

Please see the list of approved vendors (filtered by state). State Contracts, Office of State Procurement: https://www.transform.ar.gov/procurement/vendors/state-contracts/%C2%A0

Tips for Vendors: https://www.tips-usa.com/allvendors.cfm

Uses of Funds: (all costs must be reasonable, necessary, and allowable) https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/09/Final-EANS-FAQ-Update-9.17.21.pdf
All services or assistance provided under EANS, including equipment, materials, and any other items, shall be secular, neutral, and non-ideological.  The Non-Public School understands that the control of funds provided and title to materials, equipment, and property purchased with such funds shall be in the public agency (SEA), and the SEA shall administer such funds, materials, equipment, and property.  The SEA must gain title to materials, equipment, and property for which it provides reimbursement or payment.   At the end of the CCRSA funds (September 2023), the SEA will consult with the non-public school to determine if materials, equipment, and property shall remain in use at the non-public school or must be returned to the SEA.  This consultation may require additional documentation from the non-public school.

An eligible non-public school may apply to receive services or assistance from the SEA or its contractors to address educational disruptions resulting from COVID-19 for:

A. Supplies to sanitize, disinfect, and clean school facilities
B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
C. Improving ventilation systems (not available for reimbursement), including windows (not available for reimbursement) or portable air purification systems
D. Training and professional development for staff on sanitization, the use of PPE, and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases (not available for reimbursement)
E. Physical barriers to facilitate social distancing
F. Other materials, supplies, or equipment recommended by the CDC for reopening and operation of school facilities to effectively maintain health and safety
G. Expanding capacity to administer coronavirus testing to monitor and suppress the virus effectively
H. Educational technology
I. Redeveloping instructional plans for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss (not available for reimbursement) 
J. Leasing sites or spaces to ensure social distancing
K. Reasonable transportation costs
L. Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss (not available for reimbursement)
M. Reimbursement for the expenses of any services or assistance described above that a non-public school incurred on or after March 13, 2020, except for:

  • Improvements to ventilation systems (including windows), except for portable air purification systems, which may be reimbursed. 
  • Staff training and professional development on sanitization, using PPE, and minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
  • Developing instructional plans, including curriculum development, for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss.
  • Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss.
  • Any expenses reimbursed through a loan guaranteed under the PPP (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) prior to December 27, 2020.

Reimbursement of services or assistance:

An eligible non-public school may request reimbursement of reasonable, necessary, and allowable expenditures with proper documentation. Proper documentation includes a detailed invoice or bill of sale and a copy of a cleared check or credit/debit card statement for the same amount of each reimbursable item/total.  Written justification may be required to ensure the expenditures align with the requirements listed below:

  • Supplies to sanitize, disinfect, and clean school facilities 
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Portable air purification systems
  • Physical barriers to facilitate social distancing
  • Other materials, supplies, or equipment recommended by the CDC for reopening and operation of school facilities to effectively maintain health and safety
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/School-Admin-K12-readiness-and-planning-tool.pdf
  • Expanding capacity to administer coronavirus testing to monitor and suppress the virus effectively
  • Educational technology (including hardware, software, connectivity, assistive technology, or adaptive equipment) Non-public schools must submit an inventory of educational technology, including serial number or identification number, acquisition date, cost of the property, location, use, and condition. See sample format.
  • Leasing sites or spaces to ensure social distancing
  • Reasonable transportation costs
  • Requesting services or assistance (not available for reimbursement):
  • An eligible non-public school may request services or assistance. Please contact jayne.green@ade.arkansas.gov for consultation prior to submitting a request for the following services or assistance. DESE will require a work order, including the final delivery date, prior to approval of services or assistance.  DESE will need documentation that any service or assistance has been received in full before payment is made to vendors.
  • Improving ventilation systems, including windows 
  • Training and professional development for staff on sanitization, the use of PPE, and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases
    Redeveloping instructional plans for remote or hybrid learning or addressing learning loss
  • Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss 

Management of Inventory:

The SEA is required to manage items purchased under EANS for non-public school use.  Please keep in mind that:

Non-public schools may use items purchased with EANS funds throughout the EANS period of performance (through September 30, 2023) or until the items are no longer needed as per 34 CFR § 76.661.

Equipment the SEA purchases for non-public school use under EANS should be managed and disposed of in accordance with state laws and procedures as per 2 CFR § 200.313(b).

Supplies the SEA purchases for non-public school use under EANS should be managed and disposed of in accordance with federal rules for supplies as per 2 CFR § 200.314.

DESE will consult with non-public schools (September 2023) to determine the appropriate disposal of equipment and supplies.

Technical Assistance:

DESE will provide technical assistance to non-public schools through Commissioner's Memos, webinars, and upon request. General technical assistance will be posted on this webpage. Please send specific requests to Jayne.Green@ade.arkansas.gov.

 

Topic Date Supporting Documents
EANS Webinar "Using ClassWallet for EANS Services and Assistance" April 21, 2021 Presentation Slides, Webinar Recording
EANS Webinar March 12, 2021 Presentation Slides, Webinar Recording
Planning Sheets for Eligible Non-Public Schools February 18, 2021 Planning Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Updated as new questions are submitted. FAQs
Arkansas EANS I Disposition GuidanceAugust 31, 2023Presentation Slides, Webinar Recording

 

Memo Memo Title Date Posted
COM-21-094 Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Program Under the Coronavirus Resource and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) and Webinar 3/5/21
COM-21-040 EANS Eligibility Amounts 4/15/21
COM-21-119 EANS Webinar April 21, 2021 4/19/21

 

For more information, please contact:

Jayne Green, Coordinator of Federal Programs
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Federal Programs
1401 W. Capitol, Suite 430
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-2395 
Email: Jayne.Green@ade.arkansas.gov