FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2025

Contact: Denise Kahler, director, Communications and Recognition Programs - (785) 296-4876, denise.kahler@ksde.gov

Kansas Regains Access to Federal COVID Relief Funds Following U.S. Department of Education Decision

TOPEKA - Following recent legal developments and ongoing litigation in federal court, the U.S. Department of Education has reinstated the original liquidation process for Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grants for states not involved in the New York-led lawsuit against the Department.

This decision reverses the Department’s March 28, 2025, policy that rescinded previously granted extensions for COVID-related education funds. In response to concerns about fairness and consistency across states, the Department announced on June 26 that it will now treat all states equally by allowing non-plaintiff states—like Kansas—to resume submitting reimbursement requests under the pre-March 28 process.

For Kansas, this means restored access to $22.6 million in ESF funding earmarked for addressing learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as states are able to begin drawing down these funds, KSDE will reinstate previously paused programs to continue its efforts to improve student outcomes. These programs include statewide literacy and math training; assessment assistance for schools to improve progress monitoring, timely supports and meaningful interventions; and coordinated support to schools to increase the effective use of high-leverage high-quality instructional materials in classrooms.

“I am deeply grateful to the members of our Kansas delegation who supported our efforts to reinstate these critical funds,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson. “This is a win for all Kansas students.”

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