Kentucky school district reports academic gains despite federal funding challenges

The Boone County School Board meeting on April 18, 2025, focused on the district's financial management of federal COVID-19 stimulus funds and the academic progress of students.

During the meeting, officials discussed the status of approximately $1.25 million in federal funding received during the pandemic. Half of these funds have been spent on essential resources, primarily in language arts and math curricula, while the other half remains encumbered but not yet utilized. The district is currently exploring options to cancel contracts associated with the unspent funds and is seeking alternative funding sources to cover necessary expenses.

The board emphasized the importance of these funds in addressing learning gaps caused by the pandemic. Notably, Boone County is the only school district in Kentucky recognized for achieving academic gains in math and language arts since COVID-19, with students now outperforming pre-pandemic levels. This achievement was attributed to the collaborative efforts of staff, parents, and students.

The meeting also included a public comment segment, allowing community members to voice their opinions on agenda items. Board members reminded attendees to keep comments respectful and within a two-minute limit to ensure everyone had a chance to speak.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's proactive approach to managing federal funds and its commitment to improving student outcomes in the wake of the pandemic.