In early 2021, schools across America began to reopen, leaving administrators looking to use ARP, ESSER, and HEERF funds for faucet upgrades for educational facilities. 

Key Takeaways:

• The ARP Act made provision for funding to upgrade educational facilities in 2021

• ESSER provides funding for schools that get Title 1 funds.

• Touchless faucets have been proven to be an excellent way to keep the hands clean without the risk of contracting germs and viruses.

What are the COVID-19 Stimulus Relief Funds?

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act made funding available for the upgrade of American educational institutions. There were two funds created, one for institutions serving K-12 Education and one for Higher Education facilities.

The funds earmarked for elementary, secondary, and high school educational facilities are the ESSER or ESSERF, (short for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund). The  and HEERF (short for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund). 

Claiming these funds is not a simple process and can be time-consuming. To you with this task we have supplied a quick breakdown of these two stimulus relief funds: 

HEERF

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) is a federal program that provides funding for colleges and universities receiving Pell Grants to build new facilities, renovate old ones, or purchase equipment. HEERF provides grant funding from the Office on Postsecondary Education (OPE) to support Priority Institutions.

An Important Detail: A  portion of the HEERF funding must be used to implement evidence-based practices to monitor and suppress coronavirus in accordance with public health guidelines.

The HERRF has gone through three revisions  since its inception. To help  with these changes here is a  HEERF Revision Comparison Chart created by the NASFAA. 

ESSER

ESSER helps to provide funding for schools that get Title 1 funds. The ESSER program is a federal initiative for educational facilities that need high-priority projects such as restroom renovations.

These funds allow institutions to make upgrades that meet changes in students' needs. For example, facilities that need upgrades to their faucets and other restroom fixtures to manage the risks communal restrooms pose to students. 

Review and use this ESSER checklist below created by the NEA.  

Faucet Upgrades for Your Educational Facility

When choosing faucets for your school, there are essential factors to consider; one of the most significant considerations is how long they will last or durability.

The sensor faucet listed below reduces the transmission of illness and disease because of its touchless technology and is one of the most durable faucets in the market. These efficient fixtures also reduce water consumption, saving your facility water usage costs. 

Upgrades can be easily retrofitted to upgrade the current faucets. Here are the three most common faucet upgrades made in institutions today.

Touchless Commercial Faucets

Touchless faucets in the school have proven to be an excellent  way for students and faculty staff alike to keep their hands clean. These devices are easy, safe, and sanitary because they do not require physical contact. Plus, touchless water stations also help conserve water usage. 

Metering Faucets

These faucets allow students to turn on a tap with just one touch. Metering faucets will turn on and provide the user with a predetermined amount of water – no need to worry about touching anything contaminated when turning off the faucet.

Glass and Bottle Fillers

These are the newest trends in schools as institutions are shifting from fountains with nozzles to reduce virus transmission between students. Schools are making these upgrades more since the COVID-19 outbreak. 

With a glass filler system, students no longer need to place their mouths on spigots, reducing the risk of contracting germs or viruses. 

These systems make it easier to refill bottles and other containers. They are also more environmentally friendly than regular drinking cups, which often get thrown away after use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stimulus Relief Funding

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about using ARP, ESSER, and HEERF relief funds for faucet upgrades:

• How Does Renovating School Restrooms Help Prevent the Spread of Viruses?

The COVID-19 virus is one of the only viruses that can survive on stainless steel for up to three days. When you include technology that reduces exposure, you limit the need to touch these surfaces and help mitigate the spread of viruses.

• How Do You Request Funds for Renovating Restrooms?

You will need to begin with a site audit. This will help you to rank your needs and establish a budget. A site audit will also provide information about what fixtures to upgrade based on your priorities. 

• Can I Be Reimbursed for Money Previously Spent on Renovations?

Yes. You simply need to file a justification statement when claiming funds for projects that have already been done. You will also need to show proof of the work completed with receipts and other documents.

Stimulus Relief Funding for Private and Non-Public Schools 

The legislation for the ARP provides funds for private schools, charter schools, and parochial schools. Governors in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico received an additional $2.75 billion in funding for the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Program to aid these educational institutions.

Each of these schools is allocated a portion of the funds based on the number of children ages five to 17 years old from families whose income falls at or below 185% of the poverty line. 

The State Educational Agency (SEA) can then use these funds to provide services or assistance for non-public schools. These schools must have a significant number of children enrolled from low-income families impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Non-public school administrators must apply for these funds through the office of the state governor. There are resources on each state's website to assist in applying for these funds. 

Let Us Help You Take Critical Steps for Upgrading Your Educational Facilities

Chicago Faucets provides educational facilities with the best possible environment for students' health and hygiene. We offer a comprehensive product line of faucets and unmatched expertise to help reduce the risks of encountering and spreading harmful germs and viruses in your building.

A Chicago-based company, Chicago Faucets is a leader of commercial plumbing products. They offer an extensive range of solutions to upgrade the faucets at your school.

Ready to use government-issued relief funds for professional upgrades in your school or educational institution? Contact us at 847-803-5500 or email us today. 

Greg Hunt Commercial Product Manager

Greg Hunt is a member of the Chicago Faucets Product Team. As the Commercial Product Manager and the guy that brings you all the new amazing Commercial Products, he brings 20 years of global product management and marketing to the team.