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Axios
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Fla. programs at risk under Trump's K-12 funding hold
Florida could lose roughly $347 million in federal education funding that was expected to be accessible on July 1 but has yet to be released by the Trump administration. Why it matters: The funds support teacher training, enrichment courses, summer and after-school programs — including the Boys and Girls Club — and services for English learners. The big picture: The Department of Education's funding delay has exacerbated the uncertainty for after-school, summer and other programs, leaving schools in limbo, advocates and policy experts say. The Education Department said in a last-minute notice that the funds would not be released while the programs were under review, per the School Superintendents Association. By the numbers: The figure represents 15% of Florida's K-12 funding. Zoom out: An estimated $6.2 billion in K-12 funds across five programs remains unavailable, according to the Learning Policy Institute, which conducts research to improve education policies. That includes funding for after-school and summer learning through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, money to support migratory children, educator development funds and more. Zoom in: The Department of Education referred Axios' questions for this story to the Office of Management and Budget. An OMB spokesperson said no decisions have been made amid "an ongoing programmatic review of education funding." The spokesperson pointed to initial findings that they said "show that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda." What they're saying: Jodi Grant, the executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, described the withholding of funds as "a stunning betrayal," as states and territories had already committed money to after-school and summer learning programs. She emphasized that after-school programs have broad bipartisan support, and a majority of voters say they're a necessity for their communities.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump withholds $7 billion in US school funding, leaving 1.4 million students at risk
US schools face disruption as Trump withholds key education funds approved by Congress. (AP Photo) The Trump administration has abruptly withheld nearly $7 billion in federal education funding, a move that threatens to disrupt critical services for millions of students across the United States. The funding, previously approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in March, supports a range of programs including after-school care, summer enrichment, English language support, teacher training, and mental health services. In a notification sent to state education agencies, the US Department of Education stated the funds would not be released as expected, citing a vague review process with no timeline for resolution. As reported by The New York Times, the administration stated only that it was 'committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president's priorities.' The decision has left school districts scrambling for contingency plans just weeks before the new academic year begins. Programs supporting millions of students face immediate uncertainty The sudden funding freeze affects multiple federally backed programs that have long supported vulnerable student populations. Among them is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, which provides after-school and summer programs for low-income students. According to The New York Times, Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, estimated that this program alone supports 1.4 million students — about 20% of all children enrolled in after-school programs nationwide. 'These dollars are essential,' Grant said, adding that the freeze is 'catastrophic' for families who rely on consistent programming for childcare and academic support. In low-income districts like Umatilla, Oregon, Superintendent Heidi Sipe said that without these funds, she has had to warn parents to prepare for canceled programs, even though 'there is no YMCA or similar alternative in our community,' as quoted by The New York Times. Impact on non-English speakers and teacher support The withheld funds also include money designated for supporting English learners and their families. Many school districts use this funding to train teachers, hire translators, and ensure access to school services. Ana DeGenna, superintendent in Oxnard, California, told The New York Times that these programs are often the only link between immigrant families and the school system. 'Without this outreach, families who do not speak English could be cut off,' she said. Another key affected program is the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant, a bipartisan initiative in place for a decade. It funds school technology, mental health services, and staff training. Potential legal challenges and political fallout The decision has sparked sharp criticism from education advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and unions. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called the move 'lawless,' stating that the funding was appropriated by Congress and cannot be withheld without legal cause, as quoted by The New York Times. Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, hinted at a potential rescission — a formal request to cancel funds — which, under federal law, could freeze the money until it expires, even without Congressional approval. 'No decision has been made,' Vought stated during a Senate hearing, according to The New York Times. Senator Patty Murray, a leading Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, warned that each day of delay forces school districts to make painful decisions about staffing and services. 'They're forced to worry about layoffs instead of how to help kids succeed,' she said, as reported by The New York Times. School districts brace for chaos as deadlines approach In Omaha, Nebraska, Nicole Everingham, who helps coordinate after-school programming for 42 public schools, told The New York Times that staffing decisions must be made weeks before school starts. A delay, even if temporary, could lead to chaos for working parents and students who rely on after-school supervision. 'It completely puts us in flux,' she said, adding that fewer staff means fewer available slots for students. Unless reversed, the freeze could lead to broad service cuts, staffing reductions, and learning disruptions nationwide. With school budgets already under pressure, education leaders are calling for urgent action to release the funds before long-term damage is done. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
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First Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
'President's priorities': Trump administration holds back $7 bn school funds meant for learning, training
The administration offered little explanation for the delay, stating that the funds are under review and emphasising a commitment to ensuring taxpayer money is spent in line with the 'president's priorities', according to a report read more The Trump administration has withheld nearly $7 billion in federal education funding that supports after-school and summer programmes, English language learning, teacher training, and other essential services. According to The New York Times report, the funds were expected to be released by Tuesday. However, in an email sent on Monday, the US Department of Education informed states that the money would not be made available as scheduled, added the report. The administration offered minimal explanation, saying only that the funding is under review. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No timeline was provided for when, or if, the funds would be released. A brief statement said the administration is 'committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president's priorities,' reported NYT. The frozen funds are not connected to the domestic policy bill that narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday, which includes separate cuts to various programmes. Move likely to face legal challenges 'It's catastrophic,' NYT quoted Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, a group that works to expand after-school services for students, as saying. She estimated that the roughly $1.3 billion in federal funding for after-school and summer programmes each year supports around 1.4 million students, primarily from low-income families, accounting for about 20% of all students enrolled in such programmes nationwide. According to the report, the decision is likely to face legal challenges and has already drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and teachers' unions, who argue it is unlawful. They note that the funds were appropriated by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in March as part of a larger funding package. 'This is lawless,' NYT quoted Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, as saying. The Trump administration has aggressively sought to shrink the federal role in education, even proposing to eliminate the Education Department, though only Congress has the power to do so. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the meantime, it has slashed staffing and funding across the board. Permanent cut in funds? Officials have hinted at plans to permanently eliminate the nearly $7 billion in frozen education funds, reported NYT. During a Senate hearing last week, White House budget director Russell Vought said the administration is exploring a process called 'rescission' to formally request Congress revoke the funds. Even without a congressional vote, the request would freeze the money until it eventually expires. 'No decision has been made,' Vought was quoted as saying. The freeze on education funds has left school districts scrambling just weeks before classes resume. The uncertainty threatens after-school programmes, support for English learners, teacher training, and mental health services. According to NYT report, in rural Umatilla, Oregon, Superintendent Heidi Sipe warned parents to make backup plans, noting her federally funded after-school programme runs until 5:30 pm but has no local alternatives. In Omaha, Nicole Everingham of Collective for Youth said reduced funding would force cuts in after-school slots and staffing across 42 public schools. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even a delayed release of funds could disrupt hiring and planning, leaving working families in limbo. 'It completely puts us in flux,' NYT quoted Everingham as saying. Districts like Oxnard, California, also rely on federal dollars to support non-English-speaking families. 'Without this outreach, families… could be cut off from schools,' Superintendent Ana DeGenna told NYT. Many of the affected programmes, like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants, have enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Still, most criticism of the freeze has come from Democrats. 'Every day that this funding is held up is a day that school districts are forced to worry about whether they'll have to cut back on after-school programs or lay off teachers instead of worrying about how to make sure our kids can succeed,' Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat who is the vice chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Trump withholds nearly $8.9 billion for schools, with little explanation
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The withholding of dollars threw school district budgets into uncertainty, with only weeks to go before the start of school in many parts of the country. WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has declined to release nearly US$7 billion (S$8.91 billion) in federal funding that helps pay for after-school and summer programmes, support for students learning English, teacher training and other services. The money was expected to be released by July 1. But in an email on June 30, the Education Department notified state education agencies that the money would not be available. The administration offered little explanation, saying only that the funds were under review. It gave no timeline for when, or if, the money would be released, saying instead that it was 'committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president's priorities.' The frozen funds are unrelated to the millions of dollars in cuts included in the domestic policy Bill that squeaked through the Senate on July 1. 'It's catastrophic,' said Ms Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, a group that works to expand after-school services for students. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World US Senate approves divisive Trump spending Bill World Trump escalates feud with Musk, threatens Tesla, SpaceX support Singapore A second chance to excel: 3,800 private candidates taking O- and A-level exams in 2025 Multimedia Right on track: Meet the new JB-Singapore RTS Link train Singapore 'He fought till the end': Man who survived acid attack as a baby dies of cancer at 26 Business Binance to keep hundreds of staff in Singapore despite crackdown, sources say Opinion US strikes on Iran: The impact ripples on, from Baghdad to Beijing Asia Thai PM's suspension could spell end of Shinawatra clan's era of political dominance She estimated that the federal dollars for after-school and summer-school programs – about US$1.3 billion annually – support 1.4 million students, mostly lower income, representing about 20 per cent of all students in after-school programmes nationally. The move is likely to be challenged in court and has already been criticised as illegal by Democrats and teachers' unions, who emphasised that the money had been appropriated by Congress and was approved by President Donald Trump in March as part of a broader funding Bill. 'This is lawless,' said Ms Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. The administration has taken an aggressive approach to cutting back the federal government's role in education, including plans to eliminate the Education Department entirely. Though only Congress can abolish the department, the Trump administration has taken an axe to education staffing and funding more broadly as it seeks to whittle down the department. The administration has suggested that it may seek to eliminate the nearly US$7 billion in frozen funding. Mr Russell Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing last week that the administration was considering ways to claw back the funding through a process known as rescission. The administration would formally ask lawmakers to claw back a set of funds it has targeted for cuts. Even if Congress fails to vote on the request, the president's timing would trigger a law that freezes the money until it ultimately expires. 'No decision has been made,' Mr Vought said. The withholding of dollars on July 1 threw school district budgets into uncertainty, with only weeks to go before the start of school in many parts of the country. Ms Heidi Sipe, the superintendent in Umatilla, Oregon, a low-income, rural district, said her district's after-school programme has traditionally gone until 4.45pm or 5.30pm, and was fully funded through federal dollars. She recently sent a note to parents urging them to make backup plans, though few exist in her community, where she said there is no YMCA or similar alternatives. In Omaha, Nebraska, Ms Nicole Everingham, who helps manage after-school funding for programmes at 42 public schools, said a loss of funding would force her group to consolidate the number of schools that can offer after-school care, and also mean fewer slots for students, because of staffing reductions. 'It completely puts us in flux,' said Ms Everingham, the development director for Collective for Youth, which helps coordinate after-school programming for about half of Omaha public schools. Even if the money comes through after a delay, she said, it could disrupt the ability to hire staff by the start of school in mid-August, creating chaos for working parents who depend on after-school programmes. Many school districts also rely on federal dollars to help non-English-speaking students and families, including training teachers and hiring translators. 'Without this outreach, families who do not speak English could be cut off from schools and the support system they need,' said Ms Ana DeGenna, the school district superintendent in Oxnard, California. Several of the federally funded programmes have been in place for decades. The 21st Century Community Learning Centres, which support before- and after-school programmes, were created in 1994 by federal legislation, and expanded six years later with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Both measures, the first passed during a Democratic administration and the second under a Republican president, were approved by broad bipartisan majorities. One of the newest programmes, known as Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants, has been in place for a decade, supporting many services for issues like mental health and school technology. That law that authorised those grants received broad bipartisan support, including from Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, both Republicans who are now the chairs of the education committees in their respective chambers. But criticism about cutting funding for these programmes has largely been limited to Democrats. 'Every day that this funding is held up is a day that school districts are forced to worry about whether they'll have to cut back on after-school programmes or lay off teachers instead of worrying about how to make sure our kids can succeed,' Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat who is the vice- chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. NYTIMES
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Trump Withholds Nearly $7 Billion for Schools, With Little Explanation
The Trump administration has declined to release nearly $7 billion in federal funding that helps pay for after-school and summer programs, support for students learning English, teacher training and other services. The money was expected to be released by Tuesday. But in an email on Monday, the Education Department notified state education agencies that the money would not be available. The administration offered little explanation, saying only that the funds were under review. It gave no timeline for when, or if, the money would be released, saying instead that it was 'committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president's priorities.' The frozen funds are unrelated to the millions of dollars in cuts included in the domestic policy bill that squeaked through the Senate on Tuesday. 'It's catastrophic,' said Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, a group that works to expand after-school services for students. She estimated that the federal dollars for after-school and summer-school programs — about $1.3 billion annually — support 1.4 million students, mostly lower income, representing about 20 percent of all students in after-school programs nationally. The move is likely to be challenged in court and has already been criticized as illegal by Democrats and teachers' unions, who emphasized that the money had been appropriated by Congress and was approved by President Trump in March as part of a broader funding bill. 'This is lawless,' said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. The administration has taken an aggressive approach to cutting back the federal government's role in education, including plans to eliminate the Education Department entirely. Though only Congress can abolish the department, the Trump administration has taken an ax to education staffing and funding more broadly as it seeks to whittle down the department. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
