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Superintendent says FEMA reimbursements replace prior spending; district urged to prepare projects by June 30
Summary
At the March 24 meeting Superintendent Elijah Key told the board FEMA assistance is reimbursement-based and not new funding; projects should be mostly complete by June 30 to preserve reimbursement eligibility and the district must front costs before FEMA pays back.
During public comment and agenda discussion at the Gadsden County School Board meeting on March 24, Superintendent Elijah Key clarified the district’s position on FEMA project funding and stressed that FEMA provides reimbursement, not new money.
Union leader Judith Mandela asked about the FEMA deadline and whether the district had secured any additional FEMA funds. Key replied, “There is no extra money coming from FEMA,” and explained that reimbursements stem from prior damage (not new funding) tied to Hurricane Michael and documentation requirements set by the Florida Department of Emergency Management. He said the district must have funds available up front in order to submit claims and receive reimbursement; projects not substantially completed by June 30 risk having their FEMA-eligible funds pulled.
Board finance staff (introduced by Mrs. Bruner) were recognized earlier in the meeting; Mrs. Bruner told the board she and her staff are assembling payment-history information and will provide details at the FEMA workshop. Board members asked for clarity on project priorities and timelines as the district balances FEMA projects with other capital needs such as fencing, threshold inspections and a Brooks Building proposal listed in the packet.
The discussion underscores that FEMA reimbursements require district cash flow planning and accurate documentation. Mrs. Bruner said the district is working on the necessary payment histories and that staff expect to present a timeline and attachments at the upcoming FEMA-focused workshop.
A community meeting on April 16 will cover school-specific recommendations for James A. Shanks Middle School; the board also authorized appraisals and posting of selected district properties for sale to help return assets to the tax roll.
