(FRANKFORT, KY) – Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher released a statement in response to the lawsuit filed by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear seeking Congressionally appropriated education funds be released to Kentucky.
“The federal government’s delay in releasing the Congressionally appropriated $87 million to Kentucky’s schools and districts is having – and will continue to have – many negative impacts upon the Commonwealth’s students,” Fletcher said. “This funding for Kentucky’s districts was included in the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act passed by Congress on March 15, 2025, and was signed into law by the President.”
“The first instructional day for many of our districts is just three weeks away. Instead of making final preparations to welcome students back into the classroom, many of our schools are developing plans to reduce staff, cancel programs and eliminate student supports if these federal funds are not immediately released to Kentucky.
“The delay or withholding of these Congressionally appropriated funds will impact all our districts, with an especially large impact on Kentucky’s most vulnerable students. This federal funding provides services for children who move frequently and their families, professional development for our teachers, services for English learners to help them meet our challenging state academic standards, academic enrichment programs, tutoring services and remedial education activities.
“As commissioner of education, it is my responsibility to advocate for Kentucky’s students and ensure they have every possible resource available to them. It is imperative that the funds appropriated by Congress be immediately awarded to Kentucky.”
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