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Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade schools superintendent presses lawmakers for $35M in frozen funds
The superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools has four weeks to figure out what to do about a $35 million shortfall in the district's budget due to federal grants that are frozen by the Trump administration. Superintendent Jose Dotres told board members at a school board committee meeting Wednesday that he plans to increase his visibility and advocacy — both in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. — to ensure Miami-Dade gets what it's due. He also noted that he has cut some expenses going into the school year in response to the funding freeze. 'We are headed into a different footprint of advocacy,' Dotres told board members during the meeting. 'I see myself now more involved as it relates to federal funding, being able to educate, articulate and inform senators at the federal level in terms of how these funds are used and what the implications are if they were to be reduced,' said Dotres. Dotres just returned from a trip to D.C., where he met with Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) to discuss funding for his district. He told the Miami Herald in an interview that he tried to convey to the senator how the funds are used to create innovative magnet programs and other specialized programs in the district, which make public schools 'competitive' in a landscape of 'school choice.' Wednesday's school board committee meeting was an urgent conversation about how the district will prepare for the possibility the federal government may not release the frozen funds which include grants for migrant education, teacher training, help for English language learners, and academic supports for science, technology and more. 'Those dollars, we use them to innovate, provide robotics programs, advanced career technical education courses, and cybersecurity,' said Dotres in an interview with the Miami Herald. Specific programs funded by the grants currently frozen include after-school tutoring by certified teachers, bilingual instruction, technology access, swim safety lessons, and training for new teachers. More than 70 percent of new teachers require additional education, according to the superintendent. Pray for the best, but be ready for the worst School board member Luisa Santos said that the federal funding cuts will reverberate throughout the district. 'Just between Title III and Title IV, a large portion would feel the effect of these dollars not being there,' she said. There are over 83,000 students learning English in the district. Read more: Miami-Dade schools to lose millions after federal grant cancellations During Wednesday's committee meeting, board members pressed Dotres for details on planning for the worst-case scenario. 'We pray for the best, but we have to be mindful of what potential Armageddon could come,' said board member Steve Gallon. The state of Florida has advised the school district to proceed as normal, and the chief financial officer said he is operating under the assumption that the funds will be released. Santos asked how the district is preparing if the money remains frozen or is redirected to states as block grants, which would give Florida discretion over how (or whether) to target the same areas the grants were meant to fund. Ahead of the start of school on August 14, the superintendent said he has already gone through the budget line by line to find expenditures he can reduce, such as holding off on purchasing textbooks and other school supplies, pausing travel funds for teachers to attend conferences and pausing spending on anything not related to a 'direct service,' like teacher salaries. 'We have been doing a reduction,' said Dotres, noting that open positions are currently not being filled. Teacher training programs will also be delayed until the funding is sorted. 'We are holding some professional development at the earliest stages and holding it for later on in the school year,' said Dotres. Dotres said he would find alternative sources to fund salaries of the migrant education program, but that other spending like supplies for the program are paused for the time being. Santos asked if the district has looked at how other large school systems are preparing and whether additional legal or policy steps could help Miami-Dade. Walter Harvey, the general counsel for the district, noted that 24 states and Washington, D.C., have filed a federal lawsuit demanding the release of these funds. Florida is not a party to the suit, and thus may not receive payouts if the lawsuit is settled. School board member Roberto Alonso and Dotres said that instead of legal battles, it is a better strategy to continue advocating for the district with lawmakers. 'I advocate for our school district at the source,' Dotres told the Herald when asked about the lawsuit. Gallon noted that many of the federal grants that are currently frozen were established on the heels of important lawsuits. The Title III program, for example, which allows students learning English to get extra help, was built upon a 1974 civil rights case that declared that schools have a legal duty to provide instruction and help to non-English learners. But Florida has chosen not to be a part of that legal precedent when it comes to the release of federal funds to the states. Instead, the district is talking to elected officials, trimming the budget where they can and hoping for the best. 'We are awaiting the review, and we are hopeful that the funds will be there,' said Dotres. Federal grants to Miami-Dade currently on hold Title I, Part C – Migrant Education: $1,376,878 Title II, Part A –Teacher training: $14,141,336 Title III, Part A – Help for English language learners: $10,622,058 Title IV, Part A – Academic supports (Robotics, STEAM, Technology): $9,820,392 Total: $35,960,664 Funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, programs for at-risk students and their families, has now been released.
NBC News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
U.S. threatens California with legal action over transgender sports law
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Monday threatened the state of California with legal action after the state refused to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports as demanded by President Donald Trump's administration. '@CAgovernor, you'll be hearing from @AGPamBondi,' McMahon wrote, using the handles for California Governor Newsom and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. McMahon's statement on X was the latest salvo in the culture wars over transgender youth and ratchets up the personal rivalry between Trump and Newsom. Trump has made reversing advances in transgender rights a priority since returning to office on January 20, while California law has allowed student-athletes to participate in sports in alignment with their gender identity since 2013. The Justice Department declined to comment and the Education Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for clarification on the meaning of McMahon's comment. California's state Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Newsom's office and the California Interscholastic Federation, the governing body for high school sports, declined to comment. The U.S. Education Department issued a statement in June declaring California in violation of the Trump administration's interpretation of Title IV, the education law banning sex-based discrimination, and demanding the state alter its state rejected the federal government's directive, and in June filed a pre-enforcement lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department in anticipation of legal action. With controversy brewing ahead of the state high school track and field championship in June, the CIF allowed girls displaced from the finals by a transgender athlete to also be granted space to compete. The CIF also allowed girls to appear on the winners' podium if they would have won a medal without a transgender athlete competing. As a result, the CIF crowned two champions in the girls' high jump and triple jump after transgender girl AB Hernandez won both events.
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
US threatens California with legal action over transgender sports law
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox US Education Secretary Linda McMahon threatened the state of California with legal action after the state refused to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. WASHINGTON - US Education Secretary Linda McMahon on July 7 threatened the state of California with legal action after the state refused to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports as demanded by President Donald Trump's administration. '@CAgovernor, you'll be hearing from @AGPamBondi,' Mrs McMahon wrote, using the handles for California Governor Gavin Newsom and US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Mrs McMahon's statement on X was the latest salvo in the culture wars over transgender youth and ratchets up the personal rivalry between Mr Trump and Mr Newsom. Mr Trump has made reversing advances in transgender rights a priority since returning to office on Jan 20, while California law has allowed student-athletes to participate in sports in alignment with their gender identity since 2013. The Justice Department declined to comment and the Education Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for clarification on the meaning of Mrs McMahon's comment. California's state Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr Newsom's office and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing body for high school sports, declined to comment. The US Education Department issued a statement in June declaring California in violation of the Trump administration's interpretation of Title IV, the education law banning sex-based discrimination, and demanding the state alter its policy. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25 per cent for Malaysia, 36 for Thailand, 40 for Laos: Trump delivers tariff letters to Asian partners Business US stocks knocked lower by tariff jitters; Musk's political plan hits Tesla Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Singapore's second mufti Sheikh Syed Isa Semait dies at age 87 Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions Singapore Competition watchdog gives SIA, Malaysia Airlines conditional approval to continue cooperation Singapore About 20 delivery riders meet Pritam Singh to discuss platform worker issues The state rejected the federal government's directive, and in June filed a pre-enforcement lawsuit against the US Justice Department in anticipation of legal action. With controversy brewing ahead of the state high school track and field championship in June, the CIF allowed girls displaced from the finals by a transgender athlete to also be granted space to compete. The CIF also allowed girls to appear on the winners' podium if they would have won a medal without a transgender athlete competing. As a result, the CIF crowned two champions in the girls' high jump and triple jump after transgender girl AB Hernandez won both events. REUTERS
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What led to the $25 million freeze in Maine student grants during the Trump administration's funding review?
What led to the $25 million freeze in Maine student grants? Maine schools are facing delays in accessing nearly $25 million in federal education grants, following a nationwide review launched by the Trump administration. The funding pause is part of a broader reassessment of how billions in federal education dollars are distributed across states, with the administration signaling a closer alignment with its policy agenda. The affected grants support a range of student-centered initiatives, including after-school programs, language instruction for English learners, professional development for teachers, and adult education services. While technically available for obligation starting July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, these funds remain on hold as the US Department of Education reevaluates multiple programs. Wider review halts education funding nationwide The pause in Maine is part of a broader review involving more than $6 billion in education funding nationwide. The administration has indicated that the purpose of the review is to ensure all spending is consistent with federal law and current presidential priorities. In practice, however, the freeze has interrupted normal budget cycles for schools that rely on annual allocations to plan staffing, curriculum, and enrichment activities. For Maine, the $25 million in limbo reflects the state's projected allocation for fiscal year 2025. Districts had begun budgeting for the year assuming the grants would be available on time, but the hold now forces them to either delay key programs or shift resources from other areas. Student learning and teacher support programs affected Among the specific programs impacted are Title I, Part C, which funds education for migratory children, and Title III, which supports English learners and immigrant students. Title II funding—used for recruiting and training high-quality teachers—and Title IV programs that enable academic enrichment and summer learning are also part of the freeze. Additionally, adult education grants to states are included in the review. This funding supports both core instruction and supplemental services in many Maine communities. The freeze raises immediate concerns about the continuity of services for vulnerable student populations, particularly in districts with high numbers of multilingual learners or students needing academic support outside regular school hours. Uncertainty ahead as schools wait for clarity While the Department of Education has not provided a specific timeline for completing the review, districts have been advised to proceed cautiously with their planning. The Maine Department of Education has already notified school systems of the pause and flagged the potential impact to the state's congressional delegation. For now, the funding remains in administrative limbo. Without additional clarity, schools may face difficult decisions about which programs to delay or scale back in the coming months. The broader review reflects a shift in how the federal government is approaching education funding under the Trump administration. But for school officials in Maine, the more urgent question remains: when will the funds that support their students actually arrive? Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Can I use a 529 plan to study abroad?
You can use a 529 plan for study abroad, but only at schools eligible for Title IV federal student aid. Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, book and room and board — but not travel, health insurance or daily living costs. Misusing funds can trigger income taxes and a 10 percent penalty. 529 plan withdrawals may be taxed by the host country, even if they're tax-free in the U.S. Yes – you can use a 529 plan to help pay for a study abroad program if the overseas institution is eligible for Title IV federal student aid, but using these funds internationally comes with strict rules. Not all schools or expenses qualify, and misusing the money could cost you in taxes and penalties. Before you book your flight, be sure to confirm your study abroad program is hosted at an eligible institution under the Department of Education. Make sure the funds are only being used for qualified expenses, and you understand which expenses are not covered. A 529 plan allows you to save money for 'qualified' education expenses. Generally, those include the normal costs of attending an educational institution. >>Learn more: Opening a bank account while abroad To count as qualified, expenses must be required by the school and directly related to your enrollment. Eligible costs include: Tuition and fees Books, textbooks, supplies and equipment Room and board, if enrolled at least half-time Computers and internet access Bankrate's take: If you're living off-campus, your rent must fall within your school's published room and board allowance. Save receipts in case of an audit. Even if the following are necessary costs while studying abroad, they cannot be paid with 529 funds: International health insurance or medical costs Flights and transportation Basic living expenses (groceries, clothing, toiletries) Cell phone plans Sports and activity fees If you use 529 funds to pay for these nonqualified expenses, the IRS will apply income tax to the withdrawals, as well as a 10 percent penalty on the earnings portion of the withdrawal. Covered by 529 Not covered by 529 Tuition and fees Flights and transportation Books and supplies Health insurance Room and board (must be part-time or full-time students) Daily living expenses (groceries, clothing, toiletries, etc.) Computers and internet Cell phone bills Sports and activity fees You can't 'double-dip' by claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) or Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) on the same expenses you pay with 529 funds. If you use 529 funds for expenses already covered by those credits, those withdrawals may become taxable. Here's a step-by-step guide to make sure your withdrawal is tax-free and properly documented: Confirm school eligibility: Use the Federal School Code Search, which has the unique school codes assigned by the U.S. Department of Education to schools included in the Title IV federal student aid program. Get an official cost of attendance: Request a breakdown of qualified expenses from the school, including room and board limits. Calculate your qualified expenses: Only include tuition, fees, book and room and board. Exclude unqualified costs like travel or food. Withdraw only what's needed: Request a distribution from your 529 plan administrator, specifying who receives the funds — either the student, the school or both. Keep detailed records: Save receipts, invoices and course requirement lists. You may need them if the IRS ever questions the withdrawal. Using a 529 plan to fund study abroad can make sense — but not always. Here's what to consider. Your school abroad is Title IV eligible. You're earning a full degree or completing a semester abroad through a partner program. You want to avoid loans and already have funds saved in your 529. You're using funds for tuition and qualified room and board, not daily expenses. You're attending a school that isn't Title IV eligible — your withdrawals will be taxed and penalized. Most of your expenses will be for travel, insurance or other unqualified costs. You're participating in a short-term third-party program with hard-to-document expenses. You plan to take advantage of the AOTC or LLC tax credits and want to avoid overlap. Yes – you can often use federal financial aid for international schools, but only if the institution participates in the Title IV program. Eligible aid includes: Pell Grants Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans PLUS Loans Bankrate's take: Graduate students may have different aid limits, but many federal programs are still available abroad. Always confirm with your school's financial aid office. If a 529 plan won't fully cover your costs or your school isn't eligible, here are other ways to fund your experience: Apply for scholarships The U.S. Department of State provides a list of scholarships available for students studying abroad in different countries, typically provided by foreign governments. Scholarship search engines can help you find financial aid from private organizations. Manage your expenses Unless your study abroad plans are already set in stone, consider going to a country with a lower cost of living. Compare program costs between universities and try to find the right fit for your budget. Get a job Depending on which country you're planning to study in, you may have opportunities to work while you complete your coursework. Research visa requirements beforehand to understand what your options will be. You can also take a break between semesters and work at home before you travel. Be forewarned that if you're caught working without a proper visa, you may be required to leave the country, even if you didn't finish your course of study. Stick to a budget Choose locations with a lower cost of living, avoid tourist-heavy cities and continue being intentional with your spending. Saving plans are one financial tool you can use to pay for study abroad programs and can be a useful way to cover the expenses of education overseas. Consider all costs, including taxes, when factoring your decision and determine if using a 529 plan to pay for your education makes sense for you. If a 529 plan isn't the best option, and you don't have enough savings or free aid to cover your program, keep an eye on current student loan interest rates. Exhaust all federal options before turning to private ones. What are the tax implications when using 529 funds for international schools? Qualified withdrawals from a 529 plan are tax-free under U.S. law, but some governments may tax the funds. Always check local tax laws before using 529 money overseas. How do I know which international schools are eligible for 529 plans? The funds from a 529 plan can only be used to cover the costs of international schools that are eligible for Title IV federal student this complete list of International schools participating in the Federal Student Loan Programs. Only schools on this list are eligible.
