As students get ready to return to class next month, Monterey County schools are awaiting over $25 million in federally withheld funds.
An estimated $6.2 billion in congressionally appropriated funds that should have already been received by the nation’s K-12 schools was withheld earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Education and is now the subject of a multi-state lawsuit including California.
On July 16, a group of 10 Senate Republicans made a personal appeal to the Trump Administration in a letter to Russell Vought, director of the federal Office of Management and Budget to release the funds approved by Congress in March.
A day before the funding was set to be awarded, the California Department of Education (CDE) received notice that the Trump Administration would not be releasing billions of education dollars allocated by Congress for the upcoming school year, according to a media release by California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
In California, an estimated $939 million in federal education funding is frozen.
“The Trump Administration’s withholding of these funds is really putting districts in a stressful and chaotic situation because our school budgets for the new year are approved by school boards by June 30th, after going through public hearings and much preparation for months,” Monterey County Superintendent Deneen Guss said. “The announcement that these funds are being withheld on July 1st, after all school budgets were just approved and on the date we would normally begin spending these funds, is unacceptable.”
Guss said people should be outraged by the way this is being handled, calling it a travesty to public education.
“Our children and youth deserve better, and we should not be scrambling at the last minute to revise budgets and figure out how to make the cuts right before the new school year begins,” she added.
Impacted funds include state grants for migrant education (Title I-C), English language acquisition grants (Title III-A), 21st Century community learning centers (Title IV-B), student support and academic achievement grants (Title IV-A), and supporting effective instruction state grants and adult education grants (Title II-A).
In total, the amount withheld within Monterey County, including Monterey County Office of Education and all school districts, is approximately $25,898,987, according to the Monterey County Office of Education.
Withheld funds support after-school programming, migrant education
The withheld funds support a broad range of programs and services, from after-school programming and educational programs for migrant children and English learners to adult education.
“Without after-school program funding, parents may be at risk of having to find childcare or not be able to maintain their jobs due to a lack of childcare,” Guss said. “The students who attend the after-school programs receive homework support, tutoring for students in need, a healthy snack, and most importantly, a safe place to be when their parents are working.”
The migrant education program funding supports children and youth of migrant families who work daily to feed the world and must move frequently to follow the work, she said.
“These students receive extra support through tutoring, summer programs, and so much more,” Guss said. “The elimination of Title II funding will have a significant negative impact on districts’ ability to provide training to school staff.”
Salinas school districts speak out
In light of the announcement that certain federal funds would not be released, Salinas City Elementary School District Superintendent Rebeca Andrade, in a message sent out earlier this month, reassured families and staff that the district is “well-prepared to continue supporting our students, staff, and families without disruption.”
“We took strategic steps to ensure that all federally supported positions—including those in our Migrant Education and English Learner Programs—remain fully funded in the upcoming 2025–2026 budget,” the message continued. “Our after-school program, spring and summer camps, and Saturday field trips—which are funded by the state—continue, and will continue, to operate and remain available to all students enrolled in our district.”
In a statement, Salinas Union High School District Superintendent, Zandra Jo Galván said the district refused to let stand the “reckless decision” by the U.S. Department of Education.
“Our SUHSD team, Board of Trustees, and community will work together to mobilize every resource, elevate our collective voice, and stand united in protecting our students from these harmful cuts,” Galván said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure continuity of services for our students—who are brilliant, full of potential, and deserve nothing less.”
SUHSD is currently reviewing what programs will have funds withheld, according to a district official.
In response to the federal funding freeze, Alisal Union School District Superintendent Monica Anzo, in a statement to students, staff and families, said the district was closely monitoring all developments.
“We are unified in our dedication to the success and well-being of every student, every staff member, and every family in our community,” Anzo said. “We’re actively working to understand the details of this announcement and will keep you informed with accurate and timely updates.”
She added: “Together, we will continue to provide a supportive and high-quality learning environment for all.”
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This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: More than $25 million in federal funding withheld from Monterey County K-12 schools
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
