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County education officials warn federal COVID-relief liquidation could affect programs; board awaits state budget clarity
Summary
Delaware County Intermediate Unit staff reported U.S. Department of Education guidance requiring liquidation of COVID-relief funds by March 28 could put ARP/ESSER and EANS dollars at risk. County and district officials said they continue to monitor the situation while awaiting the state budget and federal guidance.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) representatives told the William Penn School District board on April 28 that recent changes in federal guidance could force liquidation of COVID-relief funds and place some program dollars at risk.
Wadi Ivory, speaking for DCIU updates, said on April 11 the U.S. Department of Education changed its guidance and required COVID-relief funds to be liquidated by March 28, reversing an earlier extension. Ivory said that decision created risk for funds tied to ARP/ESSER and EANS and that Pennsylvania’s Department of Education advised local education agencies that statewide funding of roughly $185 million could be impacted.
Delaware County and district officials said they are awaiting more detailed survey guidance and are monitoring how the change could affect local programming. The board’s legislative reports also noted ongoing uncertainty about state basic education funding and possible charter and cyber charter reforms; a budget update meeting with elected officials occurred the morning of April 28.
Why it matters: changes to federal liquidity requirements for COVID-relief funds can force districts and intermediate units to accelerate spending, reallocate budgets, or risk losing reimbursement eligibility. Board members were advised to expect further communications and surveys from the intermediate unit and state education agencies.
What’s next: the budget advisory committee set a new meeting date for May 22 and the board scheduled a June 30 date to await state budget action before finalizing district plans. Representatives from Delaware County Community College and DCIU also described workforce and career-fair programming that could offer alternative pathways for students.
