After months of uncertainty, Ohio school districts once again have access to their remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds—but time is tight to use them effectively.
In late June, the U.S. Department of Education reversed course and announced that all states—including those that did not file legal action—could now spend previously approved ESSER III and related funds through March 2026, restoring the original liquidation deadline. This decision followed an abrupt policy change in March 2025 that canceled spending extensions for many states, including Ohio, causing confusion, delays, and potential forfeiture of funds.
This reversal helps level the playing field, ensuring that access to vital resources doesn’t depend on whether a state joined the lawsuit. Still, the Department cautioned that this window may close again, depending on the outcome of ongoing litigation.
A Reopened Window—With Uncertainty Ahead
Ohio districts now have a renewed opportunity to move forward—but should do so with urgency and a clear focus:
- March 2026 is the current liquidation deadline—but it could change again if the courts uphold the Department’s original policy shift.
- Delays in spending increase risk, particularly for projects tied to construction, staffing, or professional development.
- Not all uses will be approved—the Department is expected to scrutinize submissions to ensure they align with COVID relief objectives.
- Every expenditure should support pandemic recovery, such as learning acceleration, health and safety, or equitable access to education.
Transportation Support: Still Eligible, Still Essential
During the pandemic, Ohio districts faced serious transportation challenges—from ongoing driver shortages to the need for more flexible and individualized services. For many, ESSER funds became a crucial tool for keeping students connected to school.
With flexibility restored, districts can now:
- Maintain Alternative Student Transportation for McKinney-Vento students, foster youth, and students with special needs
- Support attendance with door-to-door or extended-hour service
- Invest in safer, more reliable transportation to close access gaps for students hit hardest by COVID disruptions
To remain eligible, these transportation investments should clearly support recovery efforts—such as reducing chronic absenteeism or ensuring continuity of services for mobile or at-risk students.
“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 Ohio School Leaders
- U.S. Department of Education official notice
- U.S. Department of Education FAQs
- Supporting Young Learners with ESSER and ARP Funds in Ohio
- Ohio ESSER Funds Availability Timeline and Allocation Dashboard
Don’t Wait—Reassess and Reengage
For Ohio districts, this policy shift is an opportunity to revisit ESSER spending plans and accelerate the work of pandemic recovery. But the timeline may change again—and districts need to act now to protect access to funds.
Recommended actions:
- Review remaining ESSER allocations and upcoming deadlines
- Prioritize high-impact programs tied to learning, equity, or student well-being
- Ensure thorough documentation in case of audits or future changes
Whether it’s expanded mental health support, instructional recovery, or transportation for vulnerable students, now is the time to invest in what students need most—before the opportunity closes again.
Stephanie Sanders is a seasoned sales leader with more than 15 years of experience building teams, opening markets, and driving growth across SaaS and technology companies. As Regional Sales Director for the East Coast at EverDriven, she brings that track record to a mission that matters, ensuring every student has safe, reliable access to school.
Stephanie built her foundation in sales development and business development, mastering the prospecting and pipeline discipline that would anchor her leadership style for years to come. She went on to hold sales management and director roles across a range of high-growth technology companies, spanning video technology, talent management, supply chain risk, workplace software, home health, and contract management, developing broad expertise across vertical SaaS markets and both the Boston and New York corridors. Most recently, she led the full commercial operation across North America for a contract management platform, overseeing new business development, retention, and growth for three years.
Across every chapter of her career, Stephanie has demonstrated an ability to build from the ground up, scale what’s working, and lead teams through the complexity that comes with growth. She brings that same energy and discipline to EverDriven, partnering with school districts on the East Coast to deliver transportation solutions that put students first.
