A federal court has ordered the restoration of $51 million in federal funds to the Reading School District in Pennsylvania. The funds, initially revoked by the U.S. Department of Education, were part of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program. The court's preliminary injunction requires the department to distribute the funds as originally approved, allowing the Reading High School Innovation Academy project to proceed without delay.
The Reading School District had been awarded over $104 million in federal relief funds, with $66 million already spent or committed to construction and HVAC improvements. The revocation of the remaining funds had jeopardized the completion of the Innovation Academy, designed to reduce overcrowding at Reading High School and enhance STEM education opportunities.
The restoration of funds follows a multistate lawsuit joined by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and 15 other states, challenging the federal government's withholding of over $185 million owed to Pennsylvania schools. U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan, who advocated for the district, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "The students and teachers deserve it and so does the city of Reading."
With the funding reinstated, district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Murray, are optimistic about the project's future. "This is a major victory for our students, our families, and our entire community," Murray stated. The Reading High School Innovation Academy, located at Ninth and Douglass streets, remains on track for completion.
Berks Weekly and Yahoo News reported that the project will provide innovative learning environments and prepare students for future success.