Visit this link for a full list of VDOE School Reopening Frequently Asked Questions
School Budget and Finance
[New Question]
Can ESSER LEA formula funds be used to purchase or lease buses, vehicles, and trailers/modular classrooms?
Yes. If the purchase or lease of buses, vehicles, and trailers is reasonable and necessary to meet the overall purpose of the program, which is “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to” the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an allowable use of ESSER LEA formula funds. Purchases or lease agreements must comply with applicable Uniform Guidance requirements including 34 CFR §200.310, §200.313, §200.439, and §200.447. Costs associated with bus, vehicle, or trailer purchases or leases that persist after the end of the grant award period must be assumed by the local school division.
Instruction
[New Question]
Do CTE class size requirements take into consideration hybrid instructional settings where some students are attending in person and others are attending virtually?
According to 8VAC20-120-150 Maximum Class Size, enrollment in career and technical education courses shall not exceed the number of individual work stations. Career and technical education laboratory classes which use equipment that has been identified by the U.S. Department of Labor for hazardous occupations shall be limited to a maximum of 20 students per laboratory. In a face-to-face operating status this has and continues to be a requirement.
Based on school divisions’ operating status for the 2020-2021 school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that a specific course identified by the U.S. Department of Labor for hazardous occupations may exceed the 20-student cap in a hybrid or all virtual status. For the 2020-2021 school year, this is permissible in a hybrid or all virtual status, as long as the caps are not exceeded in in-person settings. This will be identified as a warning when submitting the Secondary Enrollment Demographics Form (SEDF) end-of-year report through the division’s Master Schedule Collection reporting. A justification will need to be provided indicating the specific course was all virtual or in a hybrid format and did not exceed the in-person class size caps. Please be reminded that you will not be able to submit the SEDF report through the SSWS without completing the justification.
