Perspiring about Expiring Relief Funds? We Have Quick Solutions
Last updated on June 9th, 2022
K-12 school districts breathed a sigh of relief last year when Congress allocated $122 billion to alleviate COVID’s effect on education. Yet the majority of funds remain unspent. Now, schools are under pressure to expedite purchases before the 2024 deadline. Smith System can help.
This blog explains qualifying purchases, specifically, buying new K-12 school and classroom furniture. It also details Smith System’s QuickShip Program, a remedy to supply chain delays that have plagued some manufacturers. Under the Program, Smith System can ship select quantities of school furniture mainstays in as quick as five business days.
A Recap of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds
The American Rescue Plan is the largest-ever disbursement of federal funds for American schools. And, as we all know by now, ARP is meant to help schools address the pandemic’s impact on students (and teachers), and ongoing disparities.
But billions set aside for school COVID-relief are still in the coffers. The U.S. Department of Education recently reported that 93% of the $122 billion is untouched. Furthermore, use-it-or-lose-it funds could disappear if not spent by the September 2024 deadline.
What’s causing delays? In a January 2022 survey to its members, the School Superintendents Association (AASA) found that over half of respondents are worried they won’t be able to use funds for building upgrades “due to supply chain issues, labor and material shortages, and the current timeline and pace of these projects.”
Another survey by consulting firm Education Resource Strategies reported that among officials in 21 large school districts, nearly all said they were behind on their plans for spending federal dollars.
Schools Given Wide Latitude in Spending
The good news is that the government has given schools broad options for spend-downs. The categories are:
The AASA survey also asked members what systematic improvements districts plan to make over the next three years to improve education outcomes and close equity gaps. The top spending categories for schools were:
- Expanding whole child supports, including social, emotional, mental, and physical health and development.
- Making system changes, including renovation and updates to school facilities, including HVAC systems.
- Re-engaging high school students who have fallen off-track.
School Furniture is Across-the-Board Solution
While the spending categories may seem wide ranging, most have a commonality. Educational leaders see the value in upgrading to school furniture designed for learning. That’s driven demand for school furniture, equipment and supplies.
“Smith System continues to see a big increase in furniture orders, as more schools use their ARP funds for long-overdue renovations and upgrades,” said Doug Lewis, Smith System’s VP of Operations.
Product, Not Problematic Delays
Lewis agrees that global events over the last two years have decreased supplier delivery dependability for many manufacturers. But Smith System’s foresight and planning is benefitting schools who are ready to buy new furniture now.
The company doubled its furniture inventory and added warehouse space to store product. The result is a return to 99.9% on-time furniture deliveries.
“We purchased all of this years’ inventory needs last September, so our 750,000 square-foot warehouse space is completely full. Our on-hand inventory consists of 200,000 chairs and 200,000 desks and tables, all physically located in our facilities with more on the way,” Lewis explained.
“We are committed to industry leading delivery performance at a competitive price.”
Doug Lewis
VP of Operations
QuickShip Program Details
In addition, Smith System proudly promotes the most expansive and reliable QuickShip operation in the industry. It’s aptly named QuickShip Program runs year round, even in the summer. Classroom furniture essentials ship as quickly as five business days. (Download Smith System's QuickShip Guide for lead times on popular seating, student and teacher desks, and storage.
Dorie McInturf is a QuickShip fan. She’s a furniture dealer with 3 Oaks Resource Group, a Florida-based furniture, fixture, supply and equipment company supporting education and business.
“Smith System’s QuickShip program and team is an amazing asset. I had a 600-plus seat school that needed furnishings in less than three weeks, including a specific delivery date, and Smith System delivered on time.”
Dorie McInturf
Area Regional Director
Furniture-Based Strategies to Maximize ARP Funds
The opportunities to use school and classroom furniture to support ARP spending categories is vast. Smith System offers many strategies for schools to consider. Below are some suggestions and links to helpful Smith System blogs for deeper-content dives.
Academic Recovery
Flexible learning environments
Replace traditional stationary pieces in classrooms with comfortable mobile desks, tables and chairs that students can easily reconfigure. Be sure to add power accessories that support technology, and add versatile classroom storage.
See blog: Transforming Older Schools into Modern Learning Spaces
Tutoring
Thoughtful tutoring zones with cohesive furniture design (and color schemes) convey that a school values every student’s education equally. Smith System's Flowform® soft seating, tables, and storage units help set the stage. Also consider mobile whiteboards to create multi-purpose privacy barriers.
See blog: How to Get Students Back on Track Using High-Impact Tutoring Spaces
Social-Emotional Learning.
Furniture and interior design play a significant role in empowering students’ SEL. Let them choose to sit, stand or move around. Add biophilic benefits by including outdoor learning spaces equipped with upholstered Flowform Outdoor furniture. It’s durably designed to be outside.
See blog: Sanctuary in the Storm: How Classroom Design Can Promote Social-Emotional Learning
See blog: Outside Classrooms: Even Small Doses Can Help Counter Nature-Deficit Disorder
Mental and Physical Health Support
Calm rooms An ideal calm room should provide relief, so physical design, from lounge furniture to soft lighting, is critical. Don’t forget furniture that also provides opportunities for vestibular input (movement), like Smith System's Oodle® stool and soft rockers.
See blog: Stress Less: Create a Calm Room Students Want to Visit
School Facilities Updates to Ensure Healthy Learning Environments
Air purifiers Schools don’t have to wait for an entire HVAC system overall to create healthier learning spaces. Help students stay in school and stay healthier now with Smith’s portable air purification unit. It collects up to 99% of respiratory droplets.
See blog: Smith System Launches New, Mobile Air Purifying Unit for Learning Spaces
We’ve Got You Covered
If your school district is feeling the pinch to spend-down ARP funds, consider furniture upgrades. Whether it’s for an individual classroom or entire school, purchasing quality furniture designed to improve learning is always a smart investment. Especially as schools march toward the September 2024 deadline.
“To spend the remaining funds, most districts need to up the pace at which money goes out the door each month,” according to an article by the Brookings Institute, the nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C.
Visit Smith System’s website to download our 2022 Catalog and QuickShip Guide. We’ll do all we can to meet your deadlines before the ARP deadline!
Sources:
https://aasa.org/uploadedFiles/ARP-Survey-Findings-Part2.pdf
https://www.chalkbeat.org/2022/3/15/22978118/schools-spending-covid-slow-federal-arp
Accessing Stimulus Funds and Post-COVID Learning Environments
Recent Posts
How School Classroom Furniture Can Improve Student Learning
Stress Less: Create a School Calm Room Students Want to Visit
Behind the Design: Numbers™ Chair and Desk Suite
The Right Formula: Smith System Launches Numbers™ Chair and Numbers™ Desk
Classroom Makeover Creates Brilliant Gifted & Talented Space
Love It or Leave It? The Case for Keeping Teacher Desks
Sanctuary in the Storm: How Classroom Design Can Promote Social-Emotional Learning
The Post-Pandemic Classroom: Will Technology Still Drive Design?