1. United States
2. Ky.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the U.S. Department of Education’s sudden decision to end the liquidation period for COVID relief funds, a move that threatens the financial stability of our schools and disrupts critical initiatives supporting Kentucky’s students. I urge you to take immediate action to ensure the original liquidation deadline of March 28, 2026, is reinstated. The abrupt nature of this decision has left many school districts in an impossible position. These funds were already committed or spent under the expectation that reimbursement would be available, as previously promised by the federal government. Now, schools are facing unexpected financial shortfalls, putting vital projects and essential student services at risk. Extending the liquidation period through March 2026 is not simply a request for more time—it is a necessity. Many districts have contracts in place for major infrastructure projects such as school construction and bus purchases. These projects cannot be easily canceled, and pulling funding at this stage leaves schools struggling to cover costs that were supposed to be federally supported. Beyond infrastructure, this decision also threatens initiatives that are crucial to Kentucky’s students and educators. Among them: • Cybersecurity upgrades to protect school networks from increasing digital threats, ensuring safe and secure learning environments. • The LETRS professional learning program, which has already equipped over 6,000 Kentucky educators with evidence-based literacy instruction strategies that directly impact student success. • Programs designed to address pandemic-related learning loss, many of which rely on these funds to continue serving students most in need. This decision not only puts undue financial strain on our school districts but also sends a dangerous message that commitments made to public education can be reversed without warning. Kentucky’s students, educators, and communities deserve better. I urge you to advocate for our schools by calling on the U.S. Department of Education to reinstate the original liquidation deadline of March 2026. Our schools made responsible financial decisions based on the commitments made by the federal government, and they should not be penalized for doing so. Thank you for your time and for your dedication to the students and educators of Kentucky. I look forward to your support in ensuring that our schools receive the funding they were promised.