San Diego Unified programs at risk under Trump's K-12 funding hold
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San Diego Unified is still waiting on $13 million in federal education funding that was expected on July 1 but has yet to be released by the Trump administration.
Why it matters: The money supports teacher training, enrichment courses, summer and after-school programs and services for English learners, who make up about 27% of district students.
The big picture: The Department of Education's funding delay has increased uncertainty for these programs, leaving schools in limbo, advocates say.
- The Education Department said in a last week that the funds would not be released while the programs were under review, per the School Superintendents Association.
By the numbers: An estimated $6.2 billion in K-12 funds across five programs remain unavailable to schools nationwide, according to the Learning Policy Institute.
- California accounts for more than $810 million — or 16.5% — of federal K–12 funding at risk.
Zoom in: The funding freeze impacts several programs at San Diego Unified including for educator professional development ($3.8 million), English learner services ($2.6 million), academic enrichment ($3.1 million) and before-and after-school programs ($3.3 million).
- The district's finance department is analyzing other funding sources in case the federal funds are not disbursed, deputy superintendent Nicole DeWitt said.
- SD Unified does not receive money for the cut-off migrant children program.
Yes, but: It would take an act of Congress to permanently rescind federal funds for the upcoming school year, the district says.
Threat level: If unreleased 21st Century Community Learning Center funds — the chief stream for academic enrichment outside of school hours — remain blocked, "the fallout will be swift and devastating," said Boys & Girls Clubs of America president and CEO Jim Clark.
- Up to 926 Boys & Girls Clubs could close, "upending care for working parents and leaving kids without critical safety nets."
Between the lines: Schools countywide receive that funding, which directly supports students who are low-income, foster youth, or experiencing homelessness through STEM, sports, college readiness and other programs, according to Sam Womack, spokesperson for San Diego County Office of Education.
- "This unprecedented funding freeze will have a devastating impact on San Diego County families and some of our most vulnerable students," she said.
State of play: California education officials have said the state is considering suing the Trump administration over the withholding of the money.
- There's a growing list of legal challenges related to school funding, including over mental health grants and diversity initiatives.