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CARES Section 18006 Encourages Schools to Retain Staff to the “Greatest Extent Practicable”

4/27/20

By: Tia Combs

As many schools around the country make the final decision to remain closed for the school year, it may be tempting to cut back on staff to save money for what is predicted to be a historic budget shortfall next year. However, the wisdom of that move may be lost when districts consider legislation recently passed by Congress.

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES” Act”). The lengthy piece of legislation gives financial benefits to seven primary groups: 1) individuals, 2) small businesses, 3) mid-size and larger companies, 4) hospitals and public health facilities, 5) children and families, through federal safety net programs, 6) state and local governments, and 7) providers of educational services.

Of particular interest to educational institutions is the Education Stabilization Fund. The fund provides over $30 billion dollars to educational institutions. Roughly $16.5 billion of the fund is allocated for distribution to elementary and secondary schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. Distribution of these funds are contingent on the educational institutions fulfilling certain labor and employment related requirements. 

In particular, pursuant to Section 18006 of the Act states:

A local educational agency, State, institution of higher education, or other entity that receives funds under “Education Stabilization Fund,” shall to the greatest extent practicable, continue to pay its employees and contractors during the period of any disruptions or closures related to Coronavirus.

For K-12 educational institutions, this means that they must continue to pay employees and see that contractors (and their employees) are paid to the greatest extent possible and be prepared to explain any failure to do so.  Many state educational agencies have given advised local districts to do what they can to retain workers. For example, the Indiana Department of Education has advised districts: 

In the application for the CARES Act funding, the LEA must attest that it has been paying all employees and contractors during the closure or disruptions related to the coronavirus, or that it will begin doing so immediately. If LEAs are not able to attest to this fact, then it must provide a reasonable explanation beyond reasons related to cash flow (as tuition support has not been reduced) in order to be eligible for the CARES Act funding. IDOE considers the employees and contractors to include, but is not limited to, the following positions: teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, nurses, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, food service, and administrative staff.

In light of Section 18006, districts considering staffing reductions should make those decisions in consultation with legal counsel so that the district’s ability to receive these federal funds is preserved.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Tia Combs at tcombs@fmglaw.com.