The Trump administration has decided to withhold approximately $6.8 billion in education funding across the United States, including at least $811 million earmarked for California. This funding, approved by Congress, is intended to support students learning English, children from migrant families, and various educational programs, including teacher training and after-school initiatives.
On Tuesday, officials clarified that no final decision had been made regarding the release of these funds. They cited concerns about how some of the money was being used, claiming it went against the administration’s policies.
California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, expressed strong opposition to the move, calling it illegal and harmful to students. He emphasized that this funding was already accounted for in school budgets, meaning many districts had already hired staff and planned programs based on these expected funds.
Thurmond and other California leaders, including Los Angeles schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, are considering legal action against the federal government. Carvalho noted that Governor Gavin Newsom supports this stance, asserting that the funding freeze is unlawful.
The American Federation of Teachers also criticized the decision, labeling it an illegal funding freeze. A senior administration official pushed back against the term "freeze," stating that a review of the programs was ongoing and no final decision had been made.
The funds in question include those from Title III-A, which aids English learners, and Title I-C, which helps children of migrant workers. These programs are crucial for many districts, as they represent a significant portion of federal spending on K-12 education.
For districts like Los Angeles Unified, the impact could be immediate, potentially leading to layoffs and disruptions in programs. However, the district plans to use reserve funds to maintain affected programs while advocating for the release of federal funds.
The administration’s rationale for withholding the funds stems from its budget proposal, which aims to cut or eliminate programs that support multilingual education and aid for migrant students. Officials claim that some of the funding has been misused, suggesting it has supported illegal immigration advocacy instead of educational initiatives.
Critics argue that these programs are vital for integrating English learners into the school system and providing stability for migrant families. They highlight that all children are entitled to a free and appropriate education, regardless of their immigration status.
As the situation unfolds, California officials are prepared to challenge the administration’s authority to withhold these funds, which they argue is a violation of federal law. The conflict over education funding illustrates the ongoing tensions between state leaders and the federal government, particularly in states with different political priorities.