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U.S. Department of Education

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September 20, 2018

Dear Educator:

The  U.S. Department of Education (Department) is working hard to assist those areas  affected by Hurricane Florence. Our immediate concern is for the safety and  well-being of all who are affected by this hurricane and the resulting catastrophic  flooding, particularly those who have suffered the loss of their homes, schools  and businesses, and must deal with displacement and trauma. President Trump has  directed Federal agencies to work together to remove barriers and to expedite  the work necessary to recover from Florence and its impact. To that end, senior  leadership at the Department reached out to States under threat from Florence  prior to its landfall, and the Department continues to work closely with other  Federal, State and local agencies to help with recovery efforts. 

The  first steps in a successful recovery are to assess each State's needs and to  relieve burdens for students, families and educational institutions in North  Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as other States that may receive  displaced students or be otherwise impacted. To assist you in this process, the  Department is providing the attached initial guidance that explains available  waivers from Federal requirements in certain Department programs and other  potential forms of relief. This guidance provides State educational agencies,  local educational agencies, Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools,  postsecondary institutions and other Department grantees and program  participants, including charter schools and nonpublic schools, with information  about the flexibility that is available to help maintain continuity of  operations and education during a period of recovery. We recognize that some  communities face more immediate concerns, but we encourage you to consider the  flexibilities and support that you may need. The Department is here to help.

For  children of affected families, returning to school can provide stability in a  time of upheaval. The Department stands ready to provide whatever flexibility  and support it can to help ensure all children, particularly those in the  hurricane-impacted areas, receive a quality education.

As you  assess the damage and your recovery needs, please continue to reach out to the  Department—the attached guidance includes a variety of ways to do so—and do not hesitate  to let us know your needs and what other questions you may have as your  assessments and recovery efforts continue.

The  entire Department team and I look forward to working with all of you in the  coming days, weeks and months on this critical effort. Please know that we  appreciate the significant work you are doing to address the needs of your  education communities and to implement recovery efforts.
|  | Sincerely,  |
|--|-------------|
|  | /s/         |
|  | Betsy DeVos |

----

Attachments

Non-Regulatory Guidance on Flexibility and Waivers for Grantees and Program Participants Impacted by Federally Declared Disasters

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