State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne recently announced that the U.S. Department of Education has released approximately $6 million in COVID relief funds for the Isaac Elementary School District. This move follows a financial mishap that led to the funds being reverted to the federal government, but they are now once again available to assist the struggling district. Horne emphasized the importance of the expeditious disbursement of these funds by Maricopa County in a statement made by the Arizona Department of Education.
Horne remarked, "I am very pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has honored the request made several weeks ago by my department to release federal Covid relief funds that the Isaac district had previously reverted to the federal government," as reported by AZED. However, he remains cautiously optimistic, urging Maricopa County and state lawmakers to tackle the district's financial challenges beyond the scope of this temporary relief.
While welcoming the news, Horne emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that significant work still lies ahead. "As good as this news is, there is much more to be done," Horne told AZED. He highlighted the crucial role of the state legislature in seeking out other sustainable solutions and mentioned the potential for liquidation of district assets to repay any advance funds.
The Department of Education will take several days to process the federal money after which the funds will be submitted to Maricopa County authorities, who are tasked by state law with getting the money into the hands of Isaac district.
