Fears that a grant helping alternative high school graduates with career opportunities proved unfounded Tuesday night.

Alex Rockford of Lawrence Education Center said the city had not signed off on accepting the Brighter Futures grant.

“64 students earned incentives throughout the school year totaling almost $25,000,” Rockford – daughter of Ald. Larry Rockford – told aldermen Tuesday. “Unfortunately. students who earned incentives in May and June – a total of $7,750 – have yet to receive them from the city.

“We’ve been saddened in the recent weeks not to see an ordinance for an extension of the grant, as we were informed it would be extended through June of 2025. The current grant is set to expire this Friday.”

After Rockford’s public comment remarks, interim economic development director Val Yazell said, we had been given something (from the state) that we had to put through ordinance, but then they called us back and said, no, you can just extend that through (an electronic signature).

“So, as much as it looks like it was the fault of the city, not so much!” Yazell concluded with a laugh.

Mayor Misty Buscher said after the meeting Rockford apparently was not in touch with Yazell’s office.