Following a lawsuit filed by Maryland, 15 other states, and the District of Columbia, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Education to reinstate extensions for use of COVID-19 funds in schools.

The plaintiffs, including Attorney General Anthony Brown and team, argued that the cancellation disrupted essential educational services such as tutoring, building improvements, and after-school programs, and could lead to layoffs and budget shortfalls. In Maryland the funds in jeopardy were allocated for essential services such as mental health support, teacher professional development, and assistance for students experiencing homelessness.

Attorney General Anthony Brown announced the decision Tuesday via a press release. From Attorney General Brown:

“COVID-19 may be over, but its impact is still being felt in schools across our State and nation as reading and math scores remain lower than pre-pandemic levels and students continue to struggle with behavioral health issues since schools reopened,” said Attorney General Brown. “This ruling preserves hundreds of millions of dollars for Maryland schools, allowing our educational leaders to continue giving their students the support they need and deserve.”

The preliminary injunction prohibits the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing the cancellation of funding under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program during the litigation or until a further court order. This reprieve only applies to the states that sued for access to the funds.

As previously covered on Conduit Street, this shortfall stems from the U.S. Department of Education’s abrupt cancellation of extensions that allowed schools to spend down remaining COVID-19 relief funds. In March, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the termination of spending extensions, citing the pandemic’s end and a misalignment with the Department’s priorities.