Grand Canyon Times

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has announced that the U.S. Department of Education has released Covid relief funds previously reverted by the Isaac Elementary School District. The release makes approximately $6 million available to assist the financially troubled district. Horne emphasized the need for continued efforts by Maricopa County and state lawmakers to address the district's long-term financial issues.

"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," Horne stated. He added, "Once the county disburses this money, the district will be able to make use of approximately $6 million dollars, which will grant them more time to work out the significant financial issues they face."

Despite acknowledging this development as positive news, Horne urged further action from state legislators. "As good as this news is, there is much more to be done," he noted. He called on lawmakers to continue working on solutions and highlighted that any advance on funds by Maricopa County could eventually be repaid through sales of district properties.

The processing of these federal funds is expected to take several days before being submitted to Maricopa County authorities for distribution in accordance with state law.