Across the state, school districts are getting nervous about the status of the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ARP-ESSER), commonly known as ESSER-III funds, in Missouri. 

The Missouri Legislature has not yet approved allocation of the nearly $1.9 billion in federal relief. 

If funds are not appropriated and signed by the Governor by March 24, the funds will revert to the federal treasury and be redistributed to other states.

Local school districts are depending on the allocation of these funds to make necessary upgrades and balance their budgets for the coming years. 

Fayette R-III is slated to receive $1.244 million, Harrisburg R-VIII $710,542, New Franklin R-I $629,849, Higbee R-VIII $453,411, and Glasgow $410,263. 

Bigger nearby school districts have larger amounts on the line. Boonville R-I is slated to receive $2.338 million, Moberly $5.849 million, and Columbia $23.556 million. 

Many school districts have already made plans to use the ESSER funds for improvements, such as the HVAC upgrades planned for the Fayette R-III school district. 

The Missouri Legislature does not work on Fridays, and the Legislative Spring Break is scheduled from March 14-18. 

Missouri is the only state that has not appropriated ESSER-III funds to its school districts.