Trump’s admin freezes $6.8 billion in education grants for schools
The Trump administration has moved to freeze $6.8 billion in education funds nationwide, with at least $811 million of that from California.
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Delaware has joined another lawsuit against the Trump administration over education issues.
This time, on July 14, Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced she joined a coalition of 25 states suing the White House over what the suit calls an “unconstitutional, unlawful and arbitrary” decision to freeze federal funding for programs in K-12 schools.
Since July 1, schools across the nation have been sent reeling after the U.S. Department of Education missed a key deadline to allocate some $6.8 billion across six federal programs.
The programs help schools support teacher training, student enrichment, after-school programs, English-language learning and more. It’s typically made available at the top of this month, but Trump administration officials told congressional staff “decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year,” USA TODAY reported July 1.
For Delaware, that put more than $26.7 million – or 10.5% of its federal funding – in limbo on July 1. That figure doesn’t include adult basic education programs, also withheld as of July 14.
The California-led lawsuit argues withholding the money violates the constitution and other federal law. It also alleges that many lower-income families will lose access to after-school or summer programs if the money is not soon released. Attorneys general hope to see the freeze blocked by court.
“Congress approved the funds, and the president signed them in to law because our students need and deserve vital support,” Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said in a statement.
“Denying the funds to our students is reckless and irresponsible. We are grateful to Attorney General Jennings for taking on another fight on behalf of our children. Delaware leaders are united in our determination to provide our students with the support they deserve.”
Local education agencies have “approved budgets, developed staffing plans, and signed contracts to provide vital educational services under these grants,” per the lawsuit’s announcement. Now, systems aren’t sure they will have the money for such commitments.
In New Castle County, Brandywine School District last week factored its roughly $1.3 million in frozen funds in resetting its local tax rate before July 10 deadline for the same boost. District leaders said some 75% of the money goes toward staff.
Nationwide, these dollars on hold represent more than a tenth of federal education funding for all states and territories, according to the Learning Policy Institute. And the early summer timeline typically allows schools to budget for summer programs and the upcoming academic year, as previously reported by USA TODAY.
Now, school systems must start the fiscal year millions of dollars short of expectations, awaiting word that the congressionally allocated investments meet President Donald Trump’s priorities.
“The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities,” wrote Brandy Brown, a top Education Department official, in the notice to congressional staff obtained by USA TODAY.
Got a tip? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com.
