Pandemic relief funds unfrozen nationwide

The U.S. Education Department has reinstated the original deadline for spending pandemic relief funds, allowing state education agencies and school districts until March 2026 to utilize the remaining dollars. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said: “The original intent of the policy… was to treat all states consistently,” addressing fairness issues arising from litigation. Previously, only certain states benefited from temporary court rulings that halted the deadline change. Julia Martin, director of policy and government affairs for education law firm the Bruman Group, advised states to spend their funds quickly to avoid further policy shifts. The reinstatement comes after a tumultuous period of funding disruptions that led to canceled services and layoffs in schools.