Horne: Emergency still exists, announces federal dollars freed up to assist Isaac district

For immediate release: January 27, 2025
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Horne: Emergency still exists, announces federal dollars freed up to assist Isaac district

Funding buys time for lawmakers to consider more options

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne says the U.S. Department of Education has released previously-reverted Covid relief funds earmarked for the Isaac Elementary School District, making approximately $6 million available to the financially-troubled district, though he cautions that Maricopa County and state lawmakers must continue to work on solving the district’s long-term financial issues. He adds the county should ensure these funds are disbursed as soon as possible since they were originally allocated to that district.

Horne stated, “I am very pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has honored the request made several weeks ago by my department to release federal Covid relief funds that the Isaac district had previously reverted to the federal government. Once the county disburses this money, the district will be able to make use of approximately $6 million dollars, which will grant them more time to work out the significant financial issues they face.”

Horne also noted, “As good as this news is, there is much more to be done. I urge the state legislature to continue working on other solutions that will help the district climb out of this financial situation. Also, the district has properties that can be sold which means any advance on funds by Maricopa County can eventually be repaid.”

Processing the federal money will take several days after which time the department will submit the funds to Maricopa County authorities, as proscribed by state law, for disbursement to the Isaac district.

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