Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
In notices to grantees on June 30, the U.S. Department of Education said it is withholding $6.2 billion in K-12 federal education funds that were expected to be available to states and local schools across the country on July 1.
The department said certain federal education grants would not be issuing award notifications on July 1, as the programs are “under review” to make sure they align with President Trump’s priorities.
The extended withholding of funds, called impoundment, is expected to impact summer and afterschool programs, teacher training initiatives, education for migrant students, behavioral and mental health supports, bullying prevention and intervention, chronic absenteeism programs, classroom material and supply purchases, and more.
The funding had been approved by Congress.
In a prepared statement on July 7, the Healey-Driscoll administration condemned the federal action, which results in a loss of $108 million for Massachusetts schools.
“Every day that goes by without this education funding hurts children, educators, communities and our economy,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Without this funding, districts are going to be forced to lay off staff, delay or cancel programs and services, and disrupt learning. Our schools were promised this funding, and the Trump administration needs to deliver it.”
The grants include:
• Title I-C, which provides educational support for children of migratory agricultural workers and fishers
• Title II-A, which provides supplemental resources to school districts to support excellent teaching and leading
• Title III-A, which supports English learners
• Title IV-A, which supports high-quality educational experiences for students
• Title IV-B, which supports out-of-school 21st Century Community Learning Centers
In separate correspondence, the Education Department said it is withholding funds for the Integrated English Language and Civics Education programs, as well as the Adult Basic Education Grants to States program.
The Healey-Driscoll administration’s statement included remarks from numerous legislators and public education leaders and stakeholders condemning the impoundment.