Feds grant waiver, return $29 million intended for Arizona schools
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Arizona Department of Education announced on Friday it’s getting federal funds back that were previously thought to be lost since they weren’t utilized.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the federal government granted a waiver that returned the $29 million for Arizona Title I schools to the state.
State education officials made the request on Aug. 12 and then gave updated information on Sept. 16.
The funds had been underutilized in fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022, according to the letter from the U.S. Department of Education.
The funding was set aside for school improvement grants that help struggling students who need more academic support.
The Arizona Department of Education said in August schools statewide missed the deadline to spend the money, which started the blame game on whose fault it was.
The head of the Arizona Education Association said the mistake falls on the state Department of Education.
However, Horne said the administration warned schools about the looming deadline and blamed his predecessor, Kathy Hoffman, saying a former employee hired under her administration did not properly allocate the money.
Gov. Katie Hobbs and Democratic lawmakers blasted Horne and his agency in August, saying there needs to be more accountability and transparency.
“It is unconscionable that Superintendent Horne has let tens of millions of dollars disappear from our schools—critical federal funding that helps students succeed,” Gov. Hobbs said in a written statement on Aug. 12. “Our kids deserve better.”
Horne said on Friday that the Arizona Education Department is analyzing the waiver’s details and will ensure that all funds are “distributed to schools and allocated effectively.”
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