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The Trump administration is releasing billions in grants for English language instruction, migrant education, adult literacy, after-school learning and other programs it withheld — including at least $2 million each for the Coachella Valley’s three K‑12 school districts, sparing them from using reserves or reducing programs in the 2025-26 school year.
The federal government froze nearly $7 billion in school funding nationwide on June 30 for review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget — one day before the new fiscal year began, just after local districts finalized their budgets and a day before the money was set to be disbursed.
But the U.S. Department of Education said a pause was necessary to review whether the funds fit with President Donald Trump’s policy priorities. Funds supporting before- and after-school programs were first released on July 18.
In an email to USA TODAY on Friday, July 25, the White House confirmed that the review had been completed and all other education funds on hold would be released to states the week of July 2.
What funding did the U.S. Department of Education withhold?
The U.S. Department of Education withheld a projected $811 million in California from five federal Title programs that provide targeted support for underserved students:
- Title I-C supports the educational needs of students whose families are migrant workers;
- Title II-A funds programs to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers;
- Title III-A provides supplementary academic support and educational services to students learning English;
- Title IV-A provides funding for enhanced classroom technology, student wellness, and enrichment programs that support a well-rounded education; and
- Title IV-B supports after-school and summer programs, including family-based services aimed at preventing child maltreatment and supporting student development outside of school hours.
What impact would the funding freeze have had on the Coachella Valley’s K‑12 school districts?
Amid a budget shortfall that had already led to layoffs, the funding freeze placed additional strain on Coachella Valley Unified School District. While Superintendent Frances Esparza didn’t share the exact amount at risk, she said the district risked losing at least $2 million, which could have forced more layoffs and cuts to programs such as migrant education.
CVUSD is continuing to assess the impact of the federal funding developments, particularly how the release of funds could affect its migrant education program next school year, and is awaiting confirmation from the California Department of Education and the Riverside County Office of Education before deciding next steps.
“We also need to proceed with caution given the changes at the federal level. Until we receive clear guidance, the district is continuing its internal planning process, including reviewing current staff reassignments and preparing for multiple funding scenarios,” said Maria Selene Castillo, CVUSD’s public information officer. “Our priority remains ensuring continuity of services and support for our migrant students and families.”
Although Desert Sands Unified School District could have maintained services for the upcoming school year using reserves and other funding sources, it still would have faced about $2.27 million in losses from four of the five affected federal programs, requiring some potential reductions.
“While DSUSD was not significantly impacted, we recognize that other districts were, and we’re pleased that the funds will now be released to support programs that directly enhance student achievement,” said Tamara Wadkins, DSUSD’s public information officer.
Similarly, Palm Springs Unified School District faced a potential $2.13 million loss from three federal programs but could have used carryover funds from prior years to maintain services.
In an email, Jeff Simmons, PSUSD’s assistant superintendent of business services, said the district was pleased the federal government chose to release the funds so it can continue supporting its students and staff.
“The $2M we receive from these funds each year supplements our academic and mental health student support systems as well as provides additional professional development and recruitment for high level classroom staff,” he said.
The funding freeze faced at least two major legal challenges, including one from California and several other states.
(This story was updated to fix a typo.)
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
