After a period of disruption, Georgia school districts have regained access to their remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds—but they will need to move quickly to take full advantage.
In late June, the U.S. Department of Education reversed its earlier policy and announced that all states—including those that hadn’t filed legal challenges—could use ESSER III and related pandemic relief funds through March 2026, the original liquidation deadline. This update follows months of uncertainty caused by a March 2025 decision that abruptly rescinded previously approved deadline extensions. For states like Georgia that didn’t sue, that shift created confusion, project delays, and potential funding losses.
The Department’s reversal levels the playing field, acknowledging that it was unfair to apply different policies depending on whether a state had joined the lawsuit. While this brings some relief, it also comes with a clear message: the timeline could shift again depending on the outcome of ongoing litigation.
A Reopened Door—But It Won’t Stay Open Forever
Georgia districts now have a renewed opportunity to spend remaining COVID relief funds—but with caution and urgency:
- March 2026 is the active deadline, but it’s not guaranteed to hold if courts rule in the Department’s favor later on.
- Any delays in spending may carry risk, especially if new guidance limits extensions or allowable use categories.
- Not all requests will be approved—the Department is expected to closely review claims, especially those tied to facilities or professional development.
Districts should ensure all remaining spending clearly ties to the original goals of pandemic relief: recovery, prevention, and preparation in response to COVID-19.
Transportation Support: Still Eligible, Still Needed
Throughout the pandemic, Georgia districts faced serious transportation challenges—from driver shortages to the demand for individualized service for vulnerable students. For many, ESSER funding became a lifeline for expanding or supplementing student transportation.
With spending flexibility now restored, districts once again have the opportunity to:
- Continue alternative transportation services for McKinney-Vento students, foster youth, and students with disabilities
- Address attendance challenges through flexible routing, extended hours, or door-to-door service
- Invest in safety and reliability for students most affected by pandemic disruptions
To remain compliant, these investments should clearly connect to pandemic recovery efforts—such as reducing absenteeism or ensuring equitable school access.
“We know that funding uncertainty has made planning difficult for districts across the country. Now that the timeline has been restored, we’re working closely with school leaders to help them make the most of these remaining funds—especially for students who depend on flexible, reliable transportation to access their education.” — Danielle Press, Chief Growth Officer, EverDriven
Resources for Georgia School Leaders
- U.S. Department of Education official notice
- U.S. Department of Education FAQs
- Georgia Department of Education ESSER federal program
Make the Most of the Time Left
This policy update gives Georgia districts a chance to revisit plans, re-engage programs, and finish the work of pandemic recovery. But the window to act may be short.
District leaders should:
- Reevaluate their remaining ESSER allocations
- Prioritize student-focused initiatives that support learning, attendance, or access
- Keep documentation tight to ensure compliance if audits or future policy changes occur
Whether it’s expanded tutoring, wellness services, or customized transportation solutions, now is the time to put remaining funds to work—for the students who need it most.
Morgan Judge is an attorney and regulatory strategist with a rare combination of legislative, legal, and private sector expertise. As Senior Director of Compliance, Regulation, and Policy at EverDriven, she leads government relations and regulatory strategy for a company operating at the intersection of technology, education, and a rapidly evolving policy landscape , overseeing multi-state legislative and compliance initiatives, managing contract lobbyists, and working across teams to advance policies that align with EverDriven’s mission and growth.
Morgan’s foundation in law and policy runs deep. She earned her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law and gained early experience through legal clerkships researching civil law, criminal procedure, and local government policy. She then spent six and a half years as a nonpartisan staff member in a state legislature, working her way from enrolling clerk to senior projects and calendar manager. In those roles she developed deep fluency in legislative process, parliamentary procedure, and the mechanics of how policy actually gets made, experience that now gives her a distinctive edge navigating state-level regulatory environments on EverDriven’s behalf.
Morgan joined EverDriven in 2021 and has grown steadily within the organization, moving from Regulatory Compliance Manager to Director to her current Senior Director role. She is a visible voice in the student transportation policy community, regularly engaging at national industry conferences and advocating for regulatory frameworks that reflect the realities of modern, technology-enabled student transportation.
