Kentucky Department of Education dispurses $193 million in emergency relief funding

KENTUCKY (KBSI) – Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) representatives say Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding was used to improve schools and education systems. Kentucky received $193 million as part of the first round of ESSER funding.

ESSER funding was used to award 306 scholarships to students with disabilities in 2023, to add a new science program to Bourbon County elementary schools, purchased a new weapons detection program for Marshall County schools and so much more.

Robin Kinney, associate commissioner of KDE Office of Finance and Operations, says $15,660 of the funding was unused and returned to the Department of Education.

“We came awfully darn close to using 100% of the ESSER I allocation,” Kinney said. “I want to express my appreciation on behalf of the department and also on behalf your students and your communities and your school districts for doing a great job and expending dollars in a very, very challenging time.”

The grant period for the final round of ESSER funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act ends Sept. 30, 2024.