Good afternoon,
I am writing to notify you and your staff of upcoming changes in the New Mexico Schools COVID-19 Testing Program (also known as ELC – Reopening of Schools).
First, the Direct Funding component of this program has been extended once again, this time until June 30, 2024. We hope that you can use this additional time to make plans for your COVID-19 testing program and school health services in general. This is great news for schools and districts that are hesitant to make long-term decisions with these funds.
Second, Kesselman-Jones has made the difficult decision to not renew our contract with the New Mexico Department of Health on the ELC project. We have been privileged to be able to step in during a time of crisis and provide the infrastructure and support to bring federal resources to our schools and districts. We step away from this project with the confidence that you will continue to provide proactive, thoughtful, and meaningful care to your students and community with ELC funds.
What this means for you…
- Kesselman-Jones will process all Direct Funding reports submitted by November 21, 2022. You should have a staff member available to answer questions about your report after its submission to expedite processing.
- Final checks from Kesselman-Jones serving in the capacity of a Fiscal Intermediary for ELC will be sent on December 30, 2022.
- We expect the reporting portal to be paused between November 21, 2022 and April 2022 to allow for a transition period.
- After November 21, 2022, general questions about the ELC program will be directed to a different party. The email, info@nmschoolscovidtesting.com will remain active, but our phone number will be discontinued.
Funding will still be available after November 21, 2022 and the program will continue regardless of Kesselman-Jones’s involvement. However, we encourage you to ask questions and be prepared to submit your report and/or preapproval requests by November 21, 2022. Please see our website - https://nmschoolscovidtesting.com/direct-funding-info/ - for more information.
Finally, we will be holding a Q & A on November 14, 2022 at 2 p.m. for further discussion. It will be recorded and sent to registrants. You may register here: https://tinyurl.com/elcqanda
It’s been a pleasure serving you and our schools. Please feel free to reach out with any questions; we appreciate your patience as we manage this transition.
Best,
Zena Goodman
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Project Manager
New Mexico Schools COVID-19 Testing Program