Brnovich issues opinion schools can use funds for coronavirus expenditures

PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich ruled that school districts can use funds for coronavirus-related uses on Thursday.

The opinion will allow schools to use certain funds for health-related expenses to help students, families and the community.

Schools have the legal authority to use the funds as long as the expenses are statutorily authorized, do not violate the Arizona constitution’s gift clause and comply with other lawful restrictions based on the source of funding.

The funding can come from state and federal grants, gifts, donations, student activity funds and money generated from leasing school property.

Schools are also eligible to receive federal grants from the coronavirus relief bill that President Donald Trump signed on March 27.

According to the opinion, school districts can use the grants to help coordinate the response efforts of local educational agencies, assist low-income students, provide mental health services and other necessary activities.

Arizona state officials initially shut down schools in the state on March 16 for what was to be a two-week period.

On March 30, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the decision to keep schools closed for the remainder of the scheduled year.

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