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Axios
07-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Trump's K-12 federal funding hold has Miami-Dade County schools out millions
Miami-Dade County Public Schools reportedly could be out more than $45 million in the coming school year following a last-minute halt of federal funding by the Trump administration. Why it matters: The funds, which were expected to be accessible on July 1, were earmarked for programs that support English-language learners and instruction, migrant education, teacher development and after-school programs, among others. Florida school districts were already bracing for steep budget cuts for the 2025-26 school year amid declining enrollment driven by the state's growing voucher program. Catch up quick: On June 30, the administration announced it was withholding billions in federal education funding while a handful of programs were under review. The funding delay has exacerbated the uncertainty for after-school, summer and other programs, leaving schools in limbo, advocates and policy experts say. The big picture: 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. By the numbers: In Florida, the administration is withholding about 15% of the state's federal funding, totaling more than $347 million, per the institute. Plus: More than $17 million in funding for migrant education, $124.5 million for instruction support, $56.5 million for English language acquisition programs, Nearly $76 million for academic enrichment programs, And nearly $73 million for after-school or summer programs. What they're saying: The possible cuts impact fragile student populations, Miami-Dade School Board member Steve Gallon told NBC6. "When you talk about ESOL, you're talking about 83,000 students," he said. "If [funding is] cut, they will be left behind." The other side: A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget told Axios that no decisions have been made amid "an ongoing programmatic review of education funding."
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade schools to lose millions after federal grant cancellations
The U.S. Department of Education has halted funding to several longstanding grant programs that serve low-income and vulnerable students, a move that could cost Miami-Dade County Public Schools more than $45 million in the coming school year. The funding, which was approved by Congress in March and expected to be distributed starting July 1, would have supported migrant education, teacher development, English-language instruction, and other services for high-need populations. 'As the significant bulk of this funding is tied to students, including our most fragile student populations, we pray that they do not become permanent—which could result in catastrophic learning and life consequences for children and families across Miami-Dade,' said Steve Gallon, vice chair of the Miami-Dade school board. Nationwide, the cuts affect at least 18 grant programs totaling more than $8 billion, according to the Department of Education's 2025 budget summary. Among the programs cut: $375 million for migrant education$2.2 billion for professional development$890 million for English-learner services$1.3 billion for academic enrichment$1.4 billion for before- and after-school programs Florida alone stands to lose about $396 million, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The grant programs have been replaced by a new initiative, the K-12 Simplified Funding Program, which will distribute $2 billion in flexible block grants to states. The Dept. of Education's budget summary says the change gives states 'flexibility to deploy these resources in a manner consistent with the needs of their communities.' But education advocates warn that because the money is not targeted, students with the greatest needs may not receive support. This is not the only federal funding loss affecting Miami-Dade. In February, the Department of Education also terminated a $9.26 million grant awarded to Miami-Dade schools under the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program. The five-year grant was meant to support a project called Edu-PARTNERS, aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers in high-need schools. The program included a partnership with Miami Dade College and mentorship opportunities for new educators. According to the grant application, Edu-PARTNERS aimed to increase teacher diversity and promote greater equity in student access to quality instruction. Miami-Dade was one of more than 30 grantees selected in the 2024 competition. But on Feb. 12, the department issued a formal termination notice, ending the grant immediately. No public explanation was given for Miami-Dade's termination. A Department of Education employee reached by phone said they had no information on individual grant cancellations but noted the TQP program has existed since 2008 and has historically funded successful partnerships between school districts and educator training institutions. Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College, said the institution remains committed to its mission. 'Despite the grant cancellation, we continue to expand our teacher preparation and education programs,' she said, citing the school's teacher academy and apprenticeship offerings. The cancellation has alarmed local and national education leaders. Tony White, president of the United Teachers of Dade, said in a statement that 'canceling any program that helps with our county's teacher shortage is harmful to the students of this district.' The TQP program, authorized under the Higher Education Act, is the only federal initiative specifically focused on building sustainable educator pipelines in under-served communities. Its sudden cancellation is part of a broader shift by the Trump administration, which says many of the defunded programs no longer align with its goals. According to the department's budget summary, the elimination of these programs is expected to save taxpayers $2.13 billion in fiscal year 2026. For Miami-Dade students, the long-term cost remains unclear. This story will be updated.
Miami Herald
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Miami school board votes to urge Trump administration to protect law-abiding immigrants
In a rare showing of bipartisan unity, the Miami-Dade School Board voted in favor of a symbolic resolution to ask the Trump administration to create new protections for immigrants who will soon lose their Temporary Protected Status, also known as TPS. Venezuelan and Haitian immigrants will lose the protection, which allows people from countries with challenging circumstances to live and work legally in the United States, this year. The item passed with 5 votes in favor and 4 dissenting votes. Danny Espino was the vote that strayed from the board's usual conservative majority, allowing the item to pass. He joined with Steve Gallon, Luisa Santos, and Joseph Geller to propose the measure and Dorothy Bendross-Mindigal cast the fifth vote. Espino represents District 5 which includes Doral, a stronghold for Venezuelan immigrants, many of whom have or have family on TPS and have expressed frustration with the canceling of the program. The resolution urges the administration to consider new safeguards for law-abiding immigrants who were previously protected by TPS. The school board proposal explains that many families in Miami-Dade County Public Schools are recipients of TPS and will be impacted by the revocation of their status. 'The elimination of TPS without alternative safeguards unfortunately may jeopardize the legal status of many law-abiding students and their families in our community,' reads the item. The item calls on federal policymakers to 'create new measures that stabilize the immigration, employment, and protection status of law-abiding individuals who fled countries due to religious and political persecution, economic upheaval and civil unrest due to political corruption, and other similar crises.' During the meeting, board member Steve Gallon called immigrants in the community 'friends,' and said, 'we support you.' School board's role in influencing federal policy During a committee meeting on Tuesday before the school board meeting, Espino encouraged his fellow board members to search their hearts and support the item. The item was co-sponsored by Steve Gallon, Luisa Santos, and Joseph Geller. Gallon's district includes parts of Little Haiti, Miami Gardens, Opa Locka, North Miami, and North Miami Beach, which includes neighborhoods with large Haitian immigrant populations. Haitian capital Port-au-Prince is teetering on the verge of lawlessness as gangs are take over many of the institutions in the city, but as recently as last week a flight of Haitian deportees arrived back in the country. Joseph Geller said he vehemently disagreed with the idea that Venezuelans are a danger to society. 'They are no danger or threat to anyone who lives in this country. They are trying to be safe and they have done that within the confines of our system,' he said. Venezuelan migrants have been targeted by the Trump administration, which recently issued an executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798, in order to deport alleged members of a Venezuelan gang to a prison in El Salvador. Several relatives of those deported claim their family members were not involved in a gang and were denied due process. During the committee meeting, Luisa Santos mentioned the idea of including a statement that would offer support for students in public universities who are recipients of DACA – or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival. Recently, in-state tuition for those students was revoked in the state. Read more: 'What if I can't go?': Florida repeals in-state tuition for undocumented students Santos also mentioned her own experience as an undocumented student in Miami and how much it meant for her to feel supported by her teachers. 'It can mean everything when a leader acknowledges that you are not a criminal, that you belong in our schools'. Danny Espino said he was motivated to propose the item by residents who expressed their concern about TPS ending. Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas said, 'because of the uncertainties I can understand the anxiety and fear.' But, she said she would not support the item because she believes the school board does not have the jurisdiction to support the measure. Steve Gallon mentioned that in 2017 he introduced a similar item asking President Trump to extend TPS. It was approved unanimously. Roberto Alonso, Monica Colluci, and Rojas expressed concern that the item would distract from the school district's role, which is to educate. During Wednesday's school board meeting, Mari Tere Rojas re-stated her position, saying that although the district supports immigrants, 'the school board does not have jurisdiction over immigration policies.' During the meeting, Maurits Acosta, the student representative on the board spoke out in favor of the item. 'It's not about where you are from it is about what you give to make this country better,' he said. 'We must demand those who built their lives here have a right to stay. They came to contribute, work, and dream.'
