ARP ESSER Plan

Download a pdf copy of HCS' ARP ESSER Plan. (updated October 2023)

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On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. In it, the U.S. Department of Education is providing an additional $121.9 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER Fund). This legislation awards grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) for providing local educational agencies (LEAs, i.e., school districts) with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. South Carolina will receive $2,112,051,487 in ARP ESSER funds from the ARP Act, with 90 percent being awarded to LEAs with amounts determined in proportion to the amount of Title I, Part A funds they received in summer 2020. The remaining funds to South Carolina will be used for state-level activities to address issues caused by COVID-19. This plan describes how the LEA will use funds that it is awarded under the ARP ESSER program. This report template complies with all reporting requirements of the ARP Act (Public Law 117-2), the ARP ESSER grant terms, conditions, and assurances (CFDA Number 84.425U), and the interim final rule established by the U.S. Department of Education, 86 FR 21195.

Total Amount of LEA Award: $125,233,830.00

Required 20 Percent for Learning Loss: $25,046,766.00

Funds for Prevention and Mitigation Strategies:

In the text field below, describe the extent to which and how the LEA will use funds to implement prevention and mitigation strategies that are, to the greatest extent practicable, consistent with the most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on reopening schools, in order to continuously and safely open and operate schools for in-person learning.

Horry County Schools (HCS) will begin the 2021-22 school year with a five-day per week, face-to-face instructional model and will adhere to the following health protocols. Accordingly, the District will:

• publish the COVID-19 pre-screening checklist and strongly encourage students and staff members to utilize the checklist prior to entering an HCS facility, 
• encourage staff members and students to stay home or go home if they are showing COVID-19 symptoms or if they have tested positive for COVID-19,
• limit visitors and activities for non-essential purposes,
• provide sanitizing stations throughout the building,
• provide opportunities for and promote frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer,
• utilize guidelines to minimize the number of students being sent to the office area and the health room/nurse's office (Health room protocols have been established.)
• encourage each school to monitor students’ arrivals and dismissals to discourage students from congregating in groups, 
• encourage schools to keep students in cohorts within the classroom, on the school bus, and while participating in extracurricular activities, to the extent possible,
• encourage individuals to maintain at least 3-feet of social distancing for students (at least 6-feet for adults) to the extent possible,
• identify a room that is available to be used for the purpose of isolating students who exhibit  symptoms of COIVD-19 during the school day.  (Isolation is required for all cases of COVID-19.),
• encourage schools to incorporate virtual events such as parent/family meetings, assemblies, etc., where possible,
• follow all CDC, SCDHEC, and SCDE guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing (Based on a SCDE memo dated July 6, 2021, masks will not be required for any school facility or school bus; however, mask wearing is strongly recommended.),
• encourage use of technology conferencing for District and school staff meetings, 
• monitor the spread of viruses or other contagious diseases, such as but not limited to, influenza and COVID-19,
• notify Regional SCDHEC health authorities for any COVID-19 cases among children and staff who were contagious with COVID-19 while on campus or attending an official campus event using established reporting processes, and
• maintain a HCS COVID-19 Dashboard and update daily.

Note: The total amounts below must match the LEA’s ARP ESSER Budget that details expenditures by allowable activity. A description of the ARP ESSER allowable activities is online on the ARP Act ESSER Spending Categories webpage.

ARP ESSER Learning Loss Requirements

Academic Recovery Plan – English Language Arts

Elementary

Reading/Math Learning Specialist Elementary Interventions:  One certified teacher to monitor all elementary school learning loss interventionists funded through ESSER III for FY23 and FY24 to include salaries and fringe. FY23 in the amount of  $96,096 and fringe in the amount of $43,721.05. FY24 budget estimate of $98,014 in salary and $47,059 in fringe.              

Reading/Math Learning Loss Interventionist:  One certified teacher at each elementary school including K-12 HCS Virtual to provide small-group reading and/or math intervention during the school day to students identified with reading and/or math learning gaps. Total of 31 teachers funded through ESSER III for FY22, FY23 and FY24 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $1,867,480.58 in salary and $752,522.22 in fringe. FY23 includes $1,955,274.77 in salary and $799,974.44 in fringe. FY24 includes an estimated $2,197,934.01 in salary and $957,961.13 in fringe.                                                                   

School-based allocations to provide literacy materials to enhance small-group literacy instruction at 28 elementary schools, during-the-day intervention, and tutorials before and/or after school. Literacy materials will include items such as classroom books, picture books, wordly wise, letter recognition tools, building word tools, sentence structure sets, USA test prep logins, consumable supplies, poster maker, PD consultants, etc. Literacy Materials is budgeted at $933,436.98 in FY22, $477,252.63 in FY23 and $487,500 in FY24. Budget each fiscal year will be allocated between the 28 elementary schools based on the most recent student count per school location.                 

Middle

ELA(Reading) Learning Loss Interventionist: Certified teacher to provide small-group targeted instruction in ELA classrooms that supports identified students who have learning gaps. Total of 15 teachers funded through ESSER III for FY22, FY23 and FY24 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $652,669.54 in salary and $246,269.20 in fringe. FY23 includes $808,215.21 in salary and $360,899.50 in fringe. FY24 includes an estimated $906,338 in salary and $382,082 in fringe. 

ELA Digital Content - Quindew, Skill-Based Instruction:  A reading program that supports improving essential reading skills. Each lesson engages students in rigorous reading practice that meets students at their current reading levels. The purpose is to help students catch up, improve, and excel as readers through explicit differentiated instruction with personalized support. ELA Digital content is budgeted at $230,000 per each fiscal year FY22, FY23,  and FY24. This is based upon approximately 11,500 middle school students with a cost of $20 per student. Budget each fiscal year will be allocated between 14 middle schools based on the most recent student count per school location.    

High

Learning Loss Interventionist: One additional certified teacher at each high school to provide small-group reading and/or math intervention that supports identified students who have learning gaps. Total of 11 teachers funded through ESSER III for FY22, FY23 and FY24 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $231,847.68 in salary and $81,675.49 in fringe. FY23 includes $475,995.89 in salary and $197,998.02 in fringe. FY23 includes an estimated $528,275 in salary and $208,942 in fringe. 

Academic Recovery Plan – Mathematics

Elementary

NWEA Math Accelerator:  A research-proven digital tool designed to enhance differentiation in math and support growth for all students in grades 3-5. Accelerator provides students with learning experiences that meet their specific learning needs. Math Accelerator is budgeted at $72,168 in FY22, $103,370 in FY23 and $117,221.58 in FY24. This is based upon approximately 10,000 students in grades 3-5 with a cost of $7.50 per student. Budget each fiscal year will be allocated between 26 elementary schools based on the most recent student count per school location.

School-based allocations to provide math manipulative's and materials to enhance small- group math instruction at 28 elementary schools, during-the-day intervention, and tutorials before and/or after school. Math materials will include items such as digital timers, blocks, learning clocks, dice, magnetic numbers, counting aids, shapes, consumable supplies, etc. Math Materials is budgeted at $213,058.62 in FY22, $224,915.64 in FY23 and $234,000 in FY24. Budget each fiscal year will be allocated between the 28 elementary schools based on the most recent student count per school location.

In addition, in FY24 we have budgeted $226,316 in salary and $73,684 in fringe for hourly math interventionists which are certified teachers at our K-5 elementary schools. This is to support all students that are off grade level and need extra math support.  

Middle

Math Learning Loss Interventionist:  Certified teacher to provide small-group targeted instruction in math classrooms that supports identified students who have learning gaps. Total of 15 teachers funded through ESSER III for FY22, FY23 and FY24 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $361,750.98 in salary and $120,442.31 in fringe. FY23 includes $787,128.64 in salary and $293,698.13 in fringe. FY24 includes an estimated $946,686 in salary and $390,359 in fringe. 

Academic Recovery Plan – Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Health

High

Work-Based Learning Coaches: A paraprofessional at each school to support students who plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation by securing and monitoring work-based opportunities in the student’s chosen career pathway. Total of 11 paraprofessionals funded through ESSER III for FY22, FY23 and FY24 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $150,741.22 in salary and $73,293.43 in fringe. FY23 includes $146,839.28 in salary and $61,424.05 in fringe. FY24 includes an estimated $215,953 in salary and $97,853 in fringe. 

Academic Recovery Plan – Other Activities

Elementary

Enhanced core-replacement instructional materials for students with disabilities in kindergarten and first grade for 27 elementary schools. Class sets are estimated to cost approximately $1,286 each for kindergarten and first grade (27 schools x $1,286 set for K and 27 schools x $1,286 set for 1st grade). Core-replacement instructional materials is budgeted at $54,409.41 in FY22.    

High

Graduation Coaches: A certified teacher at each school to support and monitor student progress toward on- time graduation. Total of 9 teachers funded through ESSER III for FY22, FY23 and FY24 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $523,759.16 in salary and $199,589.20 in fringe. FY23 includes $666,468 in salary and $269,782.61 in fringe. FY24 includes an estimated $700,218 in salary and $304,231 in fringe. 

Middle/ High STEM Coach:  A certified STEM coach to work directly with middle and high school leadership teams, STEM contacts, and STEM teachers to support STEM-related instruction and student learning. Total of 1 STEM Coach funded through ESSER III for FY22 and FY23 to include salary and fringe. FY22 includes $61,591.04 in salary and $25,258.56 in fringe. FY23 includes $71,736 in salary and $30,898.66 in fringe.

Employability/Transition Curriculum: Specialized curriculum to be utilized in special education classrooms for students in the South Carolina High School Diploma and the South Carolina Credential. Employability/Transition Curriculum is budgeted at $475,965 in FY22. Initial budget in FY22 is based on 9 base high schools at $52,885 per each school.                                                 

Charter School: Primary Interventionist ($38,964.71), Elementary/Middle ELA and Math Tutor ($29,603.74), Middle Interventionist/Coach ($49,795) salary/benefits to combat learning loss budged in FY22 in the total amount of $118,363.45. Remediation director for program to allow students to enroll in credit recovery classes, organize a tutoring component for students needing to catch up with learning loss, and maintain communication with parents related to their individual needs in order for the students to catch up. FY23 budget for salary/ benefits is $107,130. MTSS/Student Support Specialist to provide counseling and academic support through the MTSS system to students. FY23/FY24 budget for salary/benefits is $70,000. Part-time math interventionist to support all students that are off grade level and need extra math support. FY23/FY24 budget for salary/benefits is $41,647.33. Part-time grade 1 and 2 interventionist to support students that are off-grade level and need extra ELA and math support. FY24 budget for salary/fringe is $29,879.88. Differentiated Instructor Teacher to address student learning loss by providing additional instructional opportunities that are differentiated for students on different academic levels. Budget amount of $60,000 for FY24 which will include salary/fringe plus purchase of supplies and equipment for this program. Budget amount of $19,000 for FY24 to purchase new assessment materials to aid in the measure of student knowledge and growth. The materials will include new TerraNova materials such as booklets and updated norm books, as well as a scantron type machine to assist in scoring for a quick turnaround to provide teachers will assessment data. Goal is to improve and adequately assess each student in order to monitor for learning loss. Budget amount of $22,000 to purchase software subscriptions such as I-Ready, USA Test prep, Bloomz, EdPuzzle, Studies Weekly, Scholastic, Reading A-Z, Teachers pay Teachers, BrainPop, IXL Learning, etc. Budget amount of $120,000 for FY23/24 to purchase educational supplies and equipment such as science equipment, learning center items, materials for stations, calculators, educational games/kits, book sets, drama equipment, consumables, PE equipment, small group items, hands-on material, etc. for classrooms to reduce student sharing and address learning loss.                                                                                                                                           

The LEA must describe how it will expend its remaining ARP ESSER funds in the other allowable categories. Detailed categories are available on the ARP ESSER Spending Plan Categories webpage.

Activities authorized under the ESEA, the IDEA, the AEFLA, and the Perkins Act

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Coordination, preparedness, and response efforts

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Activities to address unique needs of specific students

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Improving preparedness and response efforts

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Training and professional development on sanitation

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Supplies to sanitize and clean facilities

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Purchase of additional sanitation supplies and equipment. Budgeted $187,918.70 in FY23 and $250,000 in FY24 which will be an extension to what is budgeted in ESSER II funds. 

Additional custodial staff for cleaning school facilities.  These staff members would provide assistance for short and long term openings, vacancies created by medical leaves of absence, and daily shortages for unscheduled absences. Budgeted $162,987 in salaries and $64,799 in fringe for FY24 which will extend this activity an additional year to what has already been budgeted in ESSER II.

Charter Schools: Purchase floor buffer to store in house to reduce contract service costs in order to improve safety of facilities, $1,276.12. Purchase cleaning and sanitizing supplies and equipment for the safe operation of their school, as well as cleaning services for the floors, $95,000. 

Planning, coordinating, and implementing school closures

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Educational technology

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Refresh devices in the 1:1 personal digitized learning (PDL) program that are used in either a classroom or virtual setting. Budgeted $6,377,239.30 in FY23 and $9,236,361.52 in FY24 which is an extension to this activity beyond what is already budgeted with ESSER II funds. We anticipate to purchase approximately 12,500 devices each fiscal year. 

This also includes purchasing mobility hot-spots for connectivity for FY22, FY23 and FY24. Budgeted $4,622.85 in FY22, $2,383.92 in FY23 and $2,500.23 in FY24. This is an estimate cost of $800 per month for a 12 month period.                                                                           

Budgeted $3,058,756.42 for use in FY22 (100-400), $499,907.18 in FY23 (100-500) and $26,821.50 in FY24 (100-400) in to refresh laptops for our high schools. High school laptop project will be split funded between ESSER II and ESSER III and we anticipate to purchase approximately 15,000 laptops (5,075 laptops with ESSER III funds).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Refresh Promethean ActivPanels 75" used in classroom settings budget estimate of $1,026,750.82 in FY24. This is an extension to this activity beyond what is already budgeted with ESSER II funds.       

Charter Schools: Budget estimate of $16,480.38 in FY22 and $11,368.68 in FY23 for monthly fess associated with providing laptops and tech support to distance learners, repair costs related to all computer equipment/laptops, and fees associated with IT software updates. Budget estimate of $159,000 to refresh devices such as desktops, servers, cameras, cords, adapters, mounting hardware, copiers, iPads, printers, laminators, projectors, switches, labor/set-up, etc. along with necessary accessories that are used in a classroom setting in FY23 and FY24.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Mental health services and supports 

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Additional Rehabilitative Behavioral Health Services (RBHS) counselors and floating school nurses to be funded with ESSER III funds in FY24. RBHS employees' will work with assigned students, their families, peers, teachers, and school administrators to facilitate the development of healthy coping skills, adaptive patterns of interacting with others and appropriate responses to environmental stimuli, while coordinating community resources for students and collaborating with outside agencies. Budget estimated for 6 RBHS teachers in FY24 with salaries in the amount of $339,521 and fringe in the amount of $164,744. Floating school nurse employees will be a certified or licensed RN, in accordance with the laws governing nursing in SC. Float nurses will promote the optimal health status of all students and staff and will provide services to support and sustain school attendance and to maximize their learning experience. Budget estimated for 6 floating school nurses in FY24 with salaries in the amount of $152,585 and fringe in the amount of $81,339.

Charter Schools: Special Education services to meet the needs of students with disabilities to include any out servicing of testing, counseling or evaluating for students. Budget estimate of $14,422.50 for FY22.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Planning and implementing summer learning and afterschool programs (in addition to Learning Loss budgeted above)

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Summer School for grades 6-8 to provide academic assistance for students in FY23 and FY24. Targeted support and improvement offered during the summer at several high schools in FY23 and FY24. Summer school tutorials will be targeted at both the English Learner and Students with Disabilities subgroups. Summer school tutoring sessions are needed to allow the identified subgroups access to extended learning activities and provide enrichment activities and remediation in core content classes thereby impacting End of Course assessment scores and progress towards graduation. Summer reading program offered at several elementary schools to address reading proficiency in FY23 and FY24. Summer program estimated budget includes $2,172,905 in teacher salaries and $701,823 in teacher fringe which is approx. 246 teachers x approx. $50 per hour x 6 weeks (180 hours). Also includes $1,002,001 in support staff salaries and $320,826 in support staff fringe for the summer program. Support staff can include nurses, aides, bus drivers, site directors, and media specialists.  Summer school supply budget of $14,029.37 for both FY23 and FY24. Summer school supplies will include instructional supplies and materials such as copy paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, binders, earbuds, etc., to reduce student sharing. Summer school security budget of $75,950.

In addition, funds are allocated for K-12 after-school tutorial programs for FY24. Budget includes $496,498 in teacher salaries and $153,502 in fringe. This is based on an estimate of approx. 283 teachers x $40 per hour x  2 hours per day x 2 days per week for approx. 11 weeks.     

Charter Schools: Budget estimate of $17,024 to hold a summer reading impact program in FY23 for students in grade K-5 which will include salary/fringe for director, teachers, assistants, and cafeteria staff.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Addressing learning loss among students (in addition to Learning Loss budgeted above)

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

School facility repairs and improvements

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Roofing upgrades.   The District has a comprehensive long-term facility plan as outlined on the following website:  /Page/1099.   Replacing several of our aging roof systems that have been identified as either due or overdue for replacement and have a history of some water intrusion issues, will allow us to prevent additional water intrusion from incurring and because of this prevent the potential growth of mold or mildew that can affect indoor air quality.  Unfortunately, funding is not available to fully fund all projects nor will the time constraints allow completion by 9/30/2024.  As the projects are prioritized, we will work with the OSF to begin work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Conway High School - Replace roof with new 2 ply modified bitumen system with estimated replacement cost of $5,319,305.38. Budget includes roof estimate, design fees, wires/cables/etc. to re-wire technology needs due to roof replacement, upgrade tech items due to roof replacement, and district contingency.                                                                     

Daisy Elementary School - Replace roof with new 2 ply modified bitumen system with estimated replacement cost of $2,178,694.62. Budget includes roof estimate, design fees, and district contingency.              

St. James Middle School roof replacement of built-up gravel roof sections budget estimate of $727.00 for inspections. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.                                                                           

Waterway Elementary roof replacement of main building TPO system budget estimate of $416,112. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.

Conway Education Center roof replacement of Original 1964 section and main building budget estimate of $190,937.00. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.     

Charter Schools:  Repair aged-worn floor beams/tiles in classrooms, replace joist/beams, replace commercial grade tile in all areas, replace floor baseboards and tile molding, and cleaning and sanitizing all flooring in classrooms and common areas in order to create a clean safe atmosphere throughout the campus for all students in the budget estimate amount of $25,500. Upgrade existing PA system to internal and external system & upgrade existing keyed entry to total keyless swipe entry for safety and security in order to improve daily security and communication throughout the entire school facility and exterior campus in the budget estimate amount of $33,905.17. Fence repair (including landscaping for fence repairs) $8,460.35, purchase of shed to maintain all equipment and reduce contracted service costs $5,809, gutter replacement/repair $2,000, external faucet/water sources for A/C unit cleaning $2,060, acoustic soundproofing equipment for classrooms plus installation $12,349.81, Seaglass removal (hazard) from main car pick-up area $8,600, and power-washing and stucco repair/repaint of main school building $11,900. Create an additional space to house students to meet with sustainable personnel including interventionists and MTSS support specialists. This additional space will be used to support all students who are in need of intervention services due to learning loss in smaller class-size settings. This activity will include labor and materials as needed with a budget estimate of $24,600. Re-paint surfaces with an antimicrobial paint to help keep facilities sanitized to include paint, paint supplies, and labor in the budget estimate of $22,000. Also to update bathroom fixtures to touchless items and/or items that require less touch than what is there currently to include supplies and labor in the budget estimate amount of $38,000. Facility Needs to make their facility better equipped to allow for the continued operation in times of high spread and social distancing by purchasing or making improvements to the entry system, camera system, communication devices, area barriers, etc. in the budget estimate of $80,000. 

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Improve indoor air quality through the HVAC upgrades, installation of air purification devices, and window/door replacements.   The District has a comprehensive long-term facility plan as outlined on the following website:  /Page/1099.   Replacing a number of our aging Outdoor Air HVAC Units (also called Make-up Air Units) that provide clean, fresh air from outside into our classroom and other spaces will continue to allow us to dilute and circulate the air. Dilution (fresh air) is one of the key elements to maintain indoor air quality. A list was developed based on the age of the units and seeks to address units that are a)non-functional or failing at present and b)15 years old or older. Unfortunately, funding is not available to fully fund all projects nor will the time constraints allow completion by 9/30/2024. As the projects are prioritized, we will work with the OSF to begin work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Aynor High - Replace all outdoor air units, rooftop units, split systems and ductwork not completed in phase 1 of project with estimated replacement cost of $7,239,437.41. Budget includes HVAC estimate, design fees, BAS Controls and district contingency.

Conway High - Replace all outdoor units, rooftop units, split systems, etc., with estimated replacement cost of $26,556,186.26. Budget includes HVAC estimate, design fees, BAS Controls and district contingency.

Daisy Elementary School - Replace all outdoor units, rooftop units, split systems, wall-hung units, etc., with estimated replacement cost of $2,750,003.46. Budget includes HVAC estimate, design fees, BAS Controls and district contingency.

Carolina Forest High - Replace all outside air units with an estimated cost of $2,446,587.90 for 10 units. Budget includes HVAC estimate, design fees, BAS Controls, and district contingency.                               

Kingston Elementary School - Replace all outside air units with an estimated cost of $1,153,830.97 for 4 units. Budget includes HVAC estimate, design fees, BAS Controls, and district contingency.                       

Conway Elementary School - Replace 4 OAU's budget estimate of $48,767. This a continuation of an ESSER II project.

Conway Education Center - Replace 2 OAU's budget estimate of $285,114. This is continuation of an ESSER II project.

Loris Elementary - Replace 3 OAU's budget estimate of $3,555. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.

Midland Elementary - Replace 2 OAU's budget estimate of $6,147. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.

Pee Dee Elementary - Replace 4 OAU's budget estimate of $6,590. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.

St. James Middle - Replace 5 rooftop outdoor air units budget estimate of $4,269. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.

Carolina Forest Elementary - Replace 4 OAU's budget estimate of $7,026. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.

Palmetto Bays Elementary - Replace 4 OAU's budget estimate of $6,597. This is a continuation of an ESSER II project.                                                                                                                                                 

Moving contract services budget estimate of $122,110 to assist with some of the bigger projects such as Conway High with moving furniture etc. from classrooms as the HVAC rooftop units are replaced.             

Moving supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, etc. budget estimate of $2,502.55 to assist with some of the bigger projects such as Conway High with packing up items to move from classrooms/offices as the HVAC work is being completed.

Charter Schools: Air conditioning repaired or replaced to increase air flow in the school and maintain proper temperature budget estimate $30,000.                                                                                                                              

Developing and implementing public health protocols

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Not Applicable

Other activities to maintain operation and continuity of services

Description of Planned Activities if applicable:

Includes:

Staff development and additional resources for the delivery of virtual curriculum and distance education Provides additional interventions for virtual students -                                                                                  Employee 10 Virtual teachers in FY22 and also provide academic supplements for 4 teachers to teach an additional virtual class during 1st and 2nd semester. FY22 budget amounts include $535,287.99 in salary and $229,083.71 in fringe. 

SORA - Online library platform to support HCS Virtual. Budget estimate of $200,000 for FY24 in 100-400. Will be funded through ESSER II funds for FY22 and FY23.

Attendance interventionists - 2.0 FTEs - Employees will monitor student attendance, assist with the development of attendance intervention plans, conduct home visits if necessary, and assist with scheduling students for truancy court. FY22 includes $11,092.74 in salary and $5,617.26 in fringe. FY23 includes $56,764.10 in salary and $26,547.32 in fringe. FY24 includes a budget estimate of $74,513.80 in salary and $35,991.60 in fringe.

Additional teacher pay for instruction of quarantined students for FY22 includes $3,269,344.59 in 100/100 salary, $986,162.93 in 100/100 fringe, $2,108 in 200/100 salary and $638.15 in 200/200 fringe.   

Payment for teaching during planning period budget estimate for FY24 ($862,835.42 Salary, $280,939.36 Fringe). Will be funded through ESSER II funds in FY22 and FY23.

School level purchase of instructional supplies/materials and related PPE for FY24 budget estimate of $600,000 - ($323,961 in 100-400, $10,000 in 200-300 and $266,039 in 200-400). Will be funded through ESSER II funds in FY22 and FY23.

Bus driver retention bonus for FY22, FY23, and FY24. FY22 includes $1,434,944.27 in salary and $109,772.99 in fringe. FY23 includes $1,348,402.09 in salary and $103,152.50 in fringe. FY24 includes a budget estimate of $1,402,500 in salary and $107,291 in fringe.

Substitute incentive in order to try and retain for FY22, FY23 and FY24. FY22 includes $461,670 in salary and $108,350.23 in fringe. FY23 includes $608,290 in salary and $145,490.82 in fringe. FY24 includes $1,810 in salary and $516.13 in fringe.

Charter School support - Charter school allocation ($1,011,457.33) to employ/retain staff, PPE supplies, cafeteria tables/chairs in order for students to social distance, parts/labor needed for water fountains, filtration systems, and water bottle filling stations, etc. due to COVID. Purchase of lawn care equipment to reduce costs of contracts, new folding chairs, AED and BBP kits for each wing of building, etc. Purchase MYPAYMENTSPLUS automated payment system to fully automate and maximize efficiency in the cafeteria and fee processing systems. This includes activation, maintenance, 24/7 tech assistance, and federal/state reporting tools. This payment system would allow families to automatically track and facilitate their student’s lunch/snack e-wallets and accounts. Would promote an online credit card transaction for student meals instead of handling cash in the cafeteria and less contact. Purchase organizational items such as filing cabinets, shelves, storage containers, wheeled bases, and similar items. Contract services for cleaner/repairman to provide maintenance services to ensure that facilities are clean and safe for staff and students.

And includes the retention of existing staff, unemployment benefits, and provides funds to ensure the continuance of operations in an constantly developing environment.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The LEA must describe how it will ensure that the interventions it implements to address the academic impact of lost instructional time will respond to the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students, and particularly those students disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These include students from low-income families, students of color, English learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and migratory students. The LEA should use or align with its progress monitoring narrative from its Academic Recovery Plan in this section to avoid duplication.

Academic Needs

Academic Needs HCS will begin the 2021-22 school year with a five-day per week, face-to-face instruction for students in child development through twelfth grade. The District will also provide a full-time K-12 virtual program for students.

Spring and fall 2021 data will be used as baseline measures to determine academic gaps in reading and math. This information will be used to identify learning loss and skill identification to employ additional interventions in reading and math including, but not limited to, tutorials before and after school, as well as reading and math interventions during the school day. Literacy academic growth and progress for students in K-2 will be assessed via the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment in fall, winter, and spring. 

Literacy and math academic growth and progress for students in K-8 will be assessed via NWEA MAP assessments in fall, winter, and spring. In grades 6-8, iReady Math Diagnostic will also be utilized.

In grades 9-12, schools will utilize state-provided strand data, as well as the state data review, to provide professional development for teachers who teach courses for which the state requires an end-of-course assessment (EOC). HCS common-assessment data will be utilized to monitor growth and progress in EOC courses throughout the year. Schools will provide ongoing support for academically at-risk students who have demonstrated learning loss, as a result of the pandemic, through small-group instruction, interventions, credit recovery, and tutoring. All high schools will continue to strive to increase the number of students who are deemed college- or career-ready and to increase the number of students who are on-time graduates. In addition, schools will continue to develop and implement strategies to improve all state report card measures.

A continuum of interventions will be provided that supports Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Instructional staff will participate in professional learning opportunities to ensure compliance with Act 213, which requires all district and charter schools to report data on the implementation of MTSS and universal screening procedures for students in kindergarten through second grade.

Family Connections

HCS recognizes that families are equal partners in attaining educational goals for students. Educators view families and creating family-school relationships as essential for children's optimal academic, social, and emotional learning. Schools will provide opportunities for family engagement through events such as literacy nights, book fairs, family nights, open houses, musical performances, sports events, and parent-conference days/nights.

Special Education Services and FAPE

HCS is committed to the continued Child Find obligation and efforts under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The District will continue to work in collaboration with schools and parents, guardians, and adult students to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) consistent with the need to protect the health and safety of students with disabilities and those individuals providing education, specially designed instruction, and related services to these students. Specially designed instruction and related services will be provided as specified in student individualized education programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans. Progress-monitoring data relevant to students’ IEP goals will be monitored to identify learning loss/gains and skill identification that may warrant revisions to these plans to meet the individual needs of students. Section 504 meetings and IEP meetings will be scheduled in accordance within the required timelines and processes and will be scheduled at mutually agreed upon times and locations between the school and the parent, guardian, or adult student.

Multilingual Learners

HCS will prioritize the scheduling of ESOL services for English learners in order to maximize service minutes. Schools will continue to schedule EL students with teachers trained in sheltered-instruction content strategies. Teachers will follow the students’ individualized learning plans to ensure accommodations are provided for EL students as identified. Essential information, at a minimum, will be provided in the top five languages of students in the District to include Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.

Gifted and Talented Students

Existing screening tools used for the identification of gifted and talented students will be utilized. Schools will schedule gifted and talented students with thoughtful consideration to ensure that continuity of services is maintained. Schools will determine the master schedule and groupings, keeping in mind the needs of gifted and talented students.

Grading Practices

HCS will follow the S.C. Uniform Grading Policy and established HCS grading protocols.

Professional Development

Opportunities will be provided to facilitate collaboration and professional development that safely supports the professional growth and development of all staff. Educators will receive ongoing professional learning related to the pedagogy and strategies to promote student learning, social-emotional wellness, and success. New instructional personnel will be provided the opportunity to attend New Teacher Academy in August. Professional development support for the implementation of instructional standards and priorities and updated curriculum maps will be customized for educators based on their grade-level assignments and/or specific content areas such as special education, English as a Second Language, career and technical education, physical education, fine arts, foreign languages, etc. Professional learning communities within and across schools will be utilized in an ongoing manner for the exchange of resources, best practices, as well as discussion of challenges and needs.

Social, Emotional, Mental Health of Students and Staff (Could also include health and food services)

Schools are equipped to address social, emotional, and mental health needs through counseling services and integration of social-emotional learning utilizing the following resources: Caring School Community (CD-5), Second Steps (6-8), and School Connect (9-12). Rehabilitative Behavioral Health Services (RBHS) are available to all students. RBHS counselors are present in the schools five days a week during the school hours and beyond, if needed. Staff members are an integral part of the school community and are involved in meetings regarding students, crisis situations that may involve children not involved with the program (as school administration expresses the need), and other non-academic programs (assemblies, special teams). HCS is fortunate to work collaboratively with Waccamaw Mental Health (WMH) and have seven WMH counselors assigned to District schools. HCS will continue to provide professional development and resources for school guidance and RBHS counselors in an effort to assist students better.

Each HCS campus has a nurse on site to assist students.

The LEA must engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders and give the public an opportunity to provide input in the development of its plan. Specifically, the LEA must engage in meaningful consultation with students; families; school and district administrators (including special education administrators); and teachers, principals, school leaders, other educators, school staff, and their unions. Additionally, the LEA must engage in meaningful consultation with each of the following, to the extent that they are present in or served by the LEA: Tribes, civil rights organizations (including disability rights organizations), and stakeholders representing the interests of children with disabilities, English learners, children experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, migratory students, children who are incarcerated, and other underserved students.

Description of how public input was obtained

HCS has taken the following steps to make its plan available to the public:

On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, Horry County Schools (HCS) requested public input on the spending of the American Rescue Plan’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) allocation. Survey links were provided to parents, students, staff, and the community by email, posting on the District's website, and by release to local media outlets.  The survey results were received on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

HCS received a total of 3,707 responses indicating that addressing learning loss among students, improving indoor air quality within school facilities, and summer learning and supplemental after-school programs were the most important categories to fund.