Arizona schools face deadline to spend $1 billion in remaining COVID-19 relief funds. The state Department of Education assures that unspent money will not be sent back to the federal government. Arizona received over $4 billion for schools from COVID relief bills, with $1 billion unspent. The state must designate uses for the funds by Sept. 30 and spend them by January 2025.
Department spokesman Rick Medina stated that the remaining funds have already been obligated, with plans to reroute funds not used for their original purpose. Chuck Essigs of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials believes that districts have specific plans for spending the money.
Schools have flexibility in spending the funds to address issues like learning loss due to the pandemic. The department plans to request an extension to the spending deadline until February 2026. Essigs believes schools will spend the money by January 2025 but acknowledges the complexity of dealing with the federal government.
Essigs emphasizes the importance of accountability and following regulations, noting that the process may seem complicated but will ultimately be completed. Overall, efforts are being made to ensure that the funds are spent effectively to improve outcomes for students in Arizona.
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