Boone County receives go-ahead for two projects; COVID relief funding of $10.6 million gets rejected by the USED

In a recent turn of events, several school districts in Kentucky have faced a setback as the U.S. Department of Education (USED) has denied almost $10.6 million in projects that were reconsidered by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) on behalf of school districts.

The denied projects include an online service for formative assessments worth $167,566.27 in Boone County, roof repairs and replacements across the district totalling $958,472.71 in Clinton County, and the construction of a new Christian County High School, amounting to $7,983,326.94.

Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher expressed disappointment over this denial, stating that he expects the federal government to honor its promises to states and students regarding COVID relief funds. His department is prepared to appeal the denied projects.

In a positive note, the USDE has approved funding of almost $26,000 for an interactive online learning platform in Boone County and almost $18,600 for one year of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in the same county.

Other approved projects include $290,904.18 for districtwide security cameras installation in Clinton County, $135,469.31 for updating outdated auditorium lighting, and $149,864 for outdoor classrooms at the Clinton County Early Childhood Center and Albany Elementary School.

Covington Independent has received $567,357.58 for upgrading the main electrical component at Holmes Middle School and Holmes High School. Meanwhile, Knox County has been allocated $276.12 for updating the ventilation system at Girdler Elementary School.

Jefferson County has been granted $340,347.96 for wraparound services for homeless students, while Clinton County has also received funding for $276,120.63 for various other projects, including $958,472.71 for roof repairs and replacements.

In a letter dated March 28, the U.S. Secretary of Education stated that the time to spend all federal funds related to COVID relief ends on the same date. Originally, Kentucky was informed by the USDE in September 2024 that it could spend its remaining funds through March 2026.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that while some projects have been denied, others have been successfully funded. The KDE, along with the affected school districts, will continue to work towards securing the necessary resources for the betterment of Kentucky's educational institutions.

Boone County receives go-ahead for two projects; COVID relief funding of $10.6 million gets rejected by the USED