Kansas regains access to $22.6M in federal COVID relief funds

Following recent developments in a federal court case, the U.S. Department of Education has reinstated the original process for states to access Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grants. This change affects states not involved in a lawsuit led by New York against the department.

The decision reverses a policy from March 28, 2025, which had rescinded extensions for COVID-related education funds. The department announced on June 26 that it would now treat all states equally by allowing non-plaintiff states like Kansas to resume submitting reimbursement requests under the previous process.

For Kansas, this means regaining access to $22.6 million in ESF funding designated for addressing learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) plans to reinstate paused programs aimed at improving student outcomes once funds become available. These programs include literacy and math training statewide; assessment assistance for schools; and support for effective use of instructional materials.

“I am deeply grateful to the members of our Kansas delegation who supported our efforts to reinstate these critical funds,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson. “This is a win for all Kansas students.”