Norfolk, Va. - School leaders have hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend and haven't spent it yet, but they say they have an explanation-- an extension.
The issue was a big topic at the school board meeting Wednesday night as school leaders have been down this road before.
At issue, around $420,000 of federal grant money the city was supposed to use by the end of the month.
Dr. Michael Thornton, the acting superintendent, told NewsChannel 3 the state asked for an extension and got it. They'll have the money to spend on improving schools until next year.
"This is not a missed deadline," Dr. Thornton said.
The division has faced similar questions before.
Last school year, the division forfeited $1.6 million dollars because it wasn't spent on time.
"There's every right to raise the question after the incident that occurred last year," Dr. Thornton said. "That's why I'm not opposed to the question. I just want to make sure we gave a clarifying answer."
Dr. Thornton says the division has learned a lot after last year's forfeiture and is committed to making sure this money is spent on time.
