Michigan schools could lose $40M with deadline change for federal COVID money

Facing loss of millions, Michigan schools defend pandemic grant spending

By Jennifer Chambers, The Detroit News Lincoln Park Public Schools prides itself on its fiscal stewardship, including a high bond rating as well as keeping students safe, dry and warm by updating school buildings. But a decision by the federal government to claw back COVID-19 school funding nationwide could harm both of those goals, forcing leaders in the Wayne County district to search for a way to recover $780,000 the district had dedicated to…

Michigan Schools Face Potential Loss of $40M in Federal Infrastructure Funding - Miamistandard News

The U.S. Department of Education is reconsidering over $40 million in federal reimbursements promised for Michigan school infrastructure projects, putting crucial funding for student health and safety at risk. State Superintendent Michael F. Rice and State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh have strongly opposed the move, arguing it will negatively impact students and schools statewide. “Walking back a federal commitment to pandemic relief…

NC school officials urge DC to return federal COVID-19 relief funds - Washington Examiner

North Carolina education leaders are asking the federal government to overturn a decision that halts the distribution of $17 million to North Carolina schools for facility improvements. On Thursday, the State Board of Education voted to issue a joint statement with Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green, urging the Department of Education to uphold the extensions for spending approximately $17 million in COVID-19 pandemic stimulus funds g…

NC education officials ask feds to restore $17M in federal Covid relief funds

The Trump administration has canceled about$17 million in federal pandemic stimulus dollars that NC schools were using for facility upgrades. They can re-apply to finish their projects.

Waiver and out: How red states plan to push the limits of federal ed policy

Red states are lining up to test just how much leeway they can get from Uncle Sam’s education mandates, with some pushing for block grants that would allow them to consolidate federal aid into a single grant with few spending restrictions. Iowa and Oklahoma are among the first states to formally request such flexibility from U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. While D.C. insiders debate whether the administration even has the authority t…

Education Department announces end to pandemic-era funds

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- In a letter to state education leaders, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the Department of Education would no longer fund COVID-era grants. “Extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities,” McMahon said in the letter. Because of the letter, several state Departments of Education said they would…