Selma's School of Discovery Project Restarts After COVID Funding Reinstated

Construction at Selma City Schools’ School of Discovery is moving forward once again after a key reversal of federal COVID-19 funding rules restored access to millions in grant support.

The school, which served primarily sixth-grade students, was severely damaged in a 2023 tornado. Since then, students have been spread across elementary campuses. Plans to rebuild the campus using Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grants had been in motion, but were disrupted earlier this year when the U.S. Department of Education restricted the use of unspent COVID-19 funds.

Now, with a June 20 federal appeals court decision blocking that policy, Selma City Schools can once again access $3.9 million in grant money to complete construction.

“I think it gives all of us a sense of relief,” said Superintendent Dr. David Scott.

Scott emphasized that there was never doubt the school would be rebuilt, but the financial path forward had become uncertain. “I don’t think there was ever a question about rebuilding the school,” he said. “The question came once we rebuild it — how can we make it better and bigger than what it was before?”

Originally slated to reopen in the coming academic year, the timeline is now being pushed back. Scott said the opening may occur in the second semester or even the 2026–2027 school year depending on planning and funding stability.

“That kind of gives us time to come up with the plan — to meet with the community and stakeholders and talk about a couple of different options,” he added.

The reversal of the federal policy came after multiple states filed legal challenges. Although Alabama was not one of the plaintiffs, the court's injunction extended relief to all states, restoring more flexible rules for the use of pandemic-era education funds.

If the funding situation changes again, Scott said the district is ready to work with the chief school financial officer and board members to consider backup plans, such as bond financing or local partnerships.

The restart of construction at Selma’s School of Discovery signals more than just rebuilding—it’s a community effort to restore a vital educational institution and improve on what existed before.

In a city still recovering from both natural and economic hardship, the school’s reconstruction stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal. With restored federal support, Selma City Schools now has the opportunity to incorporate modern safety features, technology enhancements, and community-centered design elements into the facility.

The district is also exploring expanded programming, including STEM-focused curriculum, flexible learning spaces, and improved storm resilience to better serve future generations.

The situation underscores the critical impact of federal funding decisions on local school infrastructure, particularly in underserved and disaster-affected regions. As national COVID-19 relief programs wind down, many school districts across the U.S. are closely watching legal developments like these to determine the fate of unfinished projects.

Selma’s School of Discovery is not just a construction site — it’s a test case in education policy, legal interpretation, and the power of community perseverance.

Originally reported by Monae Stevens in WSFA.