Feds Agree to Release $67 Million in Withheld K-12 Funding to Colorado Districts
Feds Agree to Release $67 Million in Withheld K-12 Funding to Colorado Districts
The Trump administration announced it will move forward to disburse $67 million in federal funding in early August to Colorado school districts, reversing a decision to withhold those funds that had created tension and uncertainty for districts as they approached the start of the academic year. The White House said it had temporarily paused the grants while it reviewed them to ensure the programs they supported aligned with its priorities.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers had lobbied to release the funding, which supports six grant programs related to English-language-learning programs, teacher training, academic enrichment activities and support for children of migrant workers. The funds had already been appropriated by Congress and were expected to be disbursed by July 1. The administration’s pause was already being challenged in court by both school districts and states.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis told The Washington Post that he hoped that this situation would not happen again next year, saying, “I would think now that we’ve reviewed (the grants …) that a year from now we wouldn’t find ourselves in the same situation.” However, Denver Public Schools wasn’t as certain, and a spokesperson told The Denver Post, “Future years of (federal) funding are still in potential jeopardy. So, while this is good, the long-term picture remains uncertain.”
To help charter schools facing challenges associated with the current uncertain financial landscape, the League will join Afton Partners to host a webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 12:30 pm. The webinar – “Financial Resilience in Current Environment: What Charter Leaders Need to Know and Plan During Financial Uncertainty” – is free for members and will address how schools can plan across multiple budget scenarios, communicate tough financial realities to board members and staff, and create effective contingency plans.
