After holding back billions of dollars in school funding for almost a month, the U.S. Department of Education announced today that it wouldrelease the money, starting next week.
However, some school administrators are holding off on celebrating until they actually have the money.
“The only way to find out is next week, when these funds are expected to arrive, but I’m concerned about the steps they might require us to take to meet compliance standards,” said Kindra Britt, a representative from California County Superintendents, an group that consists of all 58 county superintendents in the state.
Usually, California’s Department of Education collaborates with the federal government in the spring to enable K-12 and adult schools to begin using federal funds on July 1 — but this year is not the same. On June 30, the state Education Department found out that the Trump administration intended to hold back more than $800 millionmeant to assist a variety of critical services in California, including after-school initiatives and teacher training. The administration also mentioned it would hold back approximately $100 million for adult education, covering funds for English-language instruction and high school diploma programs.
Several California counties terminated employees shortly after the announcement, according to Britt. California Attorney General Rob BontasuedU.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, contending that the department must distribute the funds since Congress has already allocated them.
Last week, the Trump administration made some concessions by permitting funds for after-school programs to be released, buton a conditionthat schools allocate the funds in compliance with the U.S. Constitution and other federal anti-discrimination regulations. The administration has employed similar wording as a justification to suggestcutting or delaying funding for diversity initiatives.
Today, the administration announced that it will release the remaining funds beginning Monday, but the same requirements remain in place. In an email sent to adult education administrators, the U.S. Education Department stated that it is ready to reclaim any money spent on “unallowable activities.” According to the administration’s past actions, such activities might involve advocating for diversity or permitting transgender girlsto take part in female athletics.
Almost two weeks after California, along with 23 other states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, and almost a month after the deadline for grants to states, the administration has finally revealed a plan to distribute education funds that they are unlawfully holding back,” said Michelle Hatfield, a public information officer at the California Department of Education. “Meanwhile, school has already started in some areas of California, and the Trump administration’s actions keep having a negative effect on California students.
Nevertheless, Hatfield expressed her hope that the Trump administration “carries out” its promise and delivers the funds to California without delay.
The initial legal action filed by Bonta against the U.S. Department of Education remains “in progress,” according to Elissa Perez, a representative from the state’s Attorney General’s office. “This is among the most recent instances of the Trump administration creating disorder in areas and industries that are essential to Americans across the country.”
Although there is a possibility of future legal challenges, many school officials view the release of federal funding as a success and an acknowledgment of their efforts. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmondspoke outconstantly regarding the funding delays, and legislators, includingCongressional Republicans, agreed.
The path we’re taking is correct,” stated Troy Flint, the chief communications officer at the California School Boards Association. “The money shouldn’t have been kept in the first place.
Sharon Bonney, the head of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education, expressed she was “thrilled” upon receiving notification from the Education Department. However, she admitted that the one-month delay in funding had a significant effect. “Several programs were forced to close or have already begun providing only a portion of their services,” she stated.
