Dr. Michele Harmala - Deputy Superintendent, Educator Excellence, Career and Technical Education, Special Education, and Administrative Law | Michigan Department of Education
As recently stated, more than $40 million in educational funding, intended to support students and schools, is at risk unless the U.S. Department of Education reverses a decision made on March 28.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has already disbursed approximately $24.2 million to various districts based on their reported spending. One notable district, Flint, requested $15.6 million and has received $14.2 million so far.
There remains approximately $17.8 million that other districts have not yet claimed. Should the U.S. Department of Education maintain its current stance, these funds might not be dispersed as expected. Additionally, MDE might forfeit $5 million allocated for administrative costs.
The fate of the entire $40 million hinges on whether the federal department agrees to honor an extension request previously approved by the government.
The federal department has indicated a willingness to evaluate extension requests on an individual project-specific basis. MDE is collaborating with the affected districts to decide on pursuing these options for accessing the outstanding federal funds.
Alerts Sign-up