ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – DFL U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced the U.S. Department of Education has unfrozen funding for Rochester Public Schools (RPS). This comes after the department froze the federal dollars at the end of June.
Prior to the Jul. 1 deadline, which is when the funds are typically disbursed, the U.S. Department of Education stated, “Given the change in administrations, the department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding for the [Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B] grant program(s), and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year. Accordingly, the department will not be issuing Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for these programs on Jul. 1 prior to completing that review. The department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president’s priorities and the department’s statutory responsibilities.”
According to Klobuchar and Smith, the unfrozen $1.44 million will go toward 10 21st Century Community Learning Centers at five RPS schools and community programs. 21st Century Community Learning Centers provide students with academic enrichment opportunities outside of school, especially for students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. These include Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, Somali American Social Service Association and Sports Mentorship Academy.
In a statement on Thursday, Rochester Public Schools said:
“Rochester Public Schools has received confirmation that we will have access to the federal funding that we use to support our after-school programming both at the schools, as well as at partner locations in the city. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has approved our work plan and budget for Cohort 9 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. We are still awaiting an update on our Cohort 10 application and funding.”
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