Forrest City schools pause new projects as federal funding holds delay reimbursements
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Summary
Superintendent said district completed major repairs but is delaying new construction while Washington and the state resolve paused federal reimbursements; district used building funds to cover near-term contractor payments.
FORREST CITY, Ark. — Forrest City School District Superintendent Dr. Harvey told the school board at its April meeting that several facility projects are effectively finished but that the district is pausing new work while federal reimbursements are unsettled.
Dr. Harvey said the district has closed out a leaking academy project and received warranties and contractor documents, and that gymnasium and cafeteria membrane installation is complete. “Once they arrive, they will take another week to complete. So we're looking at approximately 1 month for the completion of the gym and the cafeteria,” she said.
The superintendent told the board the State Department had informed districts that Washington has changed approvals for some previously authorized extensions and reimbursements. “The State Department received a letter from Washington saying that some of the extensions and things that have been previously approved, they're changing their mind,” Dr. Harvey said, adding state fiscal staff are working with federal officials to resolve the issue.
Dr. Harvey said the district has covered work that had already been performed out of its building fund and is now awaiting reimbursement. “We were down to, like, the last $150,000 that we submitted for reimbursement but haven't gotten,” she said. She added the district may face unreimbursed line items such as a roughly $80,000 planned summer mental-health program if federal funding is not made whole.
Board members asked for clarification about temporary coverings seen on the Mustang Arena roof. Facilities staff member Mr. Martin said the work visible on site is consistent with the architect’s design and that some coverings are temporary weather protection while crews install metal trim and roofing components.
Dr. Harvey told the board the district still holds retainage on the projects and expects the state to continue pressing Washington for resolution. She described the district’s decision as cautious: delaying new project starts until funding details are settled to avoid creating obligations the district cannot reliably have reimbursed.
The board did not take new action on starting additional capital projects at the meeting; Dr. Harvey said staff would return with updates as the state and federal agencies provide clarity.