Florida education groups join lawsuit demanding release of federal funds

• The funds are earmarked for programs around the country that support English-language learners and instruction, migrant education and after-school programs, among others.

The latest: The Florida Parent Teacher Association on Monday joined a national coalition of school districts, teachers' unions and nonprofits in a federal lawsuit demanding the government release nearly $396 million in education funding for school districts.

• On Wednesday, P.S. 305, a nonprofit that works to inform and empower families, joined the lawsuit. Miami-Dade County Council of PTA/PTSA issued a statement in support.

Zoom in: In Miami-Dade, the freeze impacts more than $1.3 million in migrant education grants; nearly $9.9 million in student support and academic achievement grants; and more than $10.6 million in English-language program grants, according to the organizations.

What they're saying: "These funds were never optional — every dollar was already committed by Congress for critical programs," Mina Hosseini, executive director at P.S. 305, said in a news release.

• "Miami-Dade County Public Schools has long been underfunded," she said. "We can't afford to lose another cent."