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MSCS lost money it needed for air-conditioning and roofs. Feds gave that $55M back.

By , Daily Memphian Updated: July 01, 2025 5:41 PM CT | Published: July 01, 2025 3:24 PM CT

Federal officials have reinstated $55 million in pandemic relief funds to Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the district said, allowing it access to money it has planned to use toward updating school buildings. 

MSCS and hundreds of other school districts across the U.S. abruptly lost access to their remaining relief money in March under new guidance from the Trump administration about the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund money, known by the acronym ESSER. 

Faced with the limbo, Memphis’ school system considered dipping into reserves to keep projects on track.

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Memphis-Shelby County Schools Second Trump administration U.S. Department of Education Subscriber Only

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Laura Testino

Laura Testino

Laura Testino is an enterprise reporter who writes about how public policy shapes Memphis. She is currently reporting from Frayser about education and housing. Please write her with your suggestions and story tips.


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