Pickett Schools Working To Deal With Slow ESSER Fund Reimbursement

Pickett County Schools struggling to keep up with ESSER projects due to the slow reimbursement of funds from the state.

Director of Schools Diane Elder had to approach the county commission to request for approval the transfer of some $75,000 from the general purpose fund to avoid overdrafts.

“We are spending so many thousands of dollars that we did not have the cash flow in our federal budget,” Elder said. “So we had to transfer some money out of general purpose into federal to give us that balance to be able to write a check.”

Elder said the issue arose both from the state’s side and from the school’s side. She said it is a situation the state cannot necessarily prevent, and it is something that falls under the timing of the school district getting the bills and having to pay them.

Elder said this does not mean the school is in poor financial shape, and that the funds will balance in the end. Elder said with ESSER funds, they have been able to replace HVAC units, upgrade floors, and revamp playgrounds.