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U.S. Department of Education

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September 21, 2017

Dear Colleague:

During  the past few weeks, as the Nation anxiously watched Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and  Maria and their resulting destruction, the U.S. Department of Education (Department)  reached out to officials in affected areas. Our immediate concern is for the  safety and well-being of all who are affected by these natural disasters,  particularly those who have suffered the loss of their homes and schools and must  deal with displacement and trauma in their lives. President Trump has directed Federal  agencies to work together to remove barriers and to expedite the work necessary  to recover from the hurricanes, and I assure you that the Department is working closely with  other Federal, State and local agencies to carry out this relief.

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 Alabama, Florida, Georgia,  Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, 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 as they reconstruct their lives. 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 continue.  

My colleagues 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  relief 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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