The Chicago Public Schools system were projected to receive nearly $2.8 billion in federal coronavirus aid intended to help schools reopen, but they remain closed amid a showdown between city leaders and the teachers’ union.

According to data from the Illinois Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools were projected to get $2.79 billion in federal coronavirus funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

The ESSER was established in the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law in March 2020, and additional funding was added to the program by subsequent legislation in January and March 2021.

Chicago Public Schools received $206 million from the ESSER I, which was part of the CARES Act. The district received $796.7 million from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which was signed into law in January 2021, and is projected to receive $1.78 billion from the American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law in March 2021.