The school districts and charter schools have the flexibility to use ESG program dollars as needed to continue the safe operation of their schools in either an in-person or virtual setting. Some examples of eligible activities are teacher salaries, distance learning, technology, enhanced sanitation, and PPE. The process to distribute the funding begins today, and every eligible district and charter that applied will receive funding. The Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting will verify whether schools met grant criteria such as providing in-person support services for students in need during school hours, conducting benchmark testing and completing financial reporting before funding is released.