Michigan State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice and State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh have issued strong statements condemning the U.S. Department of Education’s recent decision to abruptly change the deadline for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations and American Rescue Plan fund reimbursements, a move they argue will significantly harm Michigan students and schools.
On Friday, March 28th, state education agencies nationwide, including the Michigan Department of Education, received notice from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon that the reimbursement deadline had been retroactively changed to the same day, March 28th, at 5 p.m.
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This overturned a previous deadline of March 28, 2026, under which Michigan districts had received pre-approval for delayed reimbursement on specified projects.
Dr. Rice expressed outrage at the decision, stating, “Walking back a federal commitment to pandemic relief funds to improve the air quality, healthfulness, and safety of schools coming out of the pandemic is unacceptable. Michigan’s children stand to lose more than $40 million.”
He highlighted that 27 Michigan districts had pre-approved financial obligations for projects such as HVAC systems, boilers, and windows, based on the original 2026 deadline.
“These districts entered contracts with the understanding that their preapproved projects would be reimbursed by the federal government. A change in administrations should not void previous commitments,” Dr. Rice argued. He warned that without the promised reimbursement, districts may be forced to cut instructional spending or deplete savings.
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Dr. Rice called on Secretary McMahon to reconsider the decision and urged Michigan’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, to advocate for the previously agreed-upon funding.
Dr. Pugh echoed Dr. Rice’s concerns, particularly regarding the impact on student health and safety. “As a public health professional for many years, it is a particular affront to me that the U.S. Department of Education would walk back its commitment to projects that protect the health and safety of our students—including for schools in communities such as Flint, Pontiac, and Benton Harbor that were hit especially hard by COVID-19,” she stated.
She criticized the lack of notice and the requirement for districts to reapply for funding under potentially different criteria, calling it detrimental to schoolchildren.
The statements from Michigan’s education leaders underscore the potential financial strain and adverse impact on student well-being resulting from the federal government’s funding reversal.
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