Nearly 600 National, State, and Local Groups Urge Immediate Release of Withheld Federal Education Funds, Warn of Widespread Harm to Schools, Students, and Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a broad coalition of nearly 600 nonpartisan organizations representing educators, families, and learners in every state and the District of Columbia issued a united call to the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to immediately disburse over $6.8 billion in legally obligated federal education funds that remain unjustifiably withheld from states.
The letter, signed by national groups representing parents, teachers, principals, superintendents, summer and afterschool programs, literacy groups, music and the arts groups, and adult education organizations, along with hundreds of state and local organizations, underscores the severe disruption caused by the Department’s failure to release critical funding under multiple federal education programs, including:
- Title II-A: Supporting Effective Instruction
- Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
- Title IV-B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Title III-A: English Language Acquisition
- Title I-C: Migrant Education
- Adult Basic and Literacy Education
“These programs serve more than 95,000 K-12 schools and 55 million students, as well as 1.2 million adult learners. The delays are forcing schools to lay off staff, cancel professional development, eliminate afterschool and summer programs, and scramble to prepare for the upcoming school year without the resources they were promised,” the coalition warned.
Despite legal requirements to disburse the funds by July 1, the Department and OMB have offered no clear rationale or timeline. Districts, adult education providers, and community-based organizations report significant harm to operations and planning efforts.
“With just weeks before schools reopen, this funding delay is sabotaging student learning, educator preparedness, and essential services—particularly for English learners, rural students, and families with the greatest need,” the letter states.
The coalition expressed deep gratitude to the Members of Congress who have already raised concerns to OMB and the Department, calling for transparency and the immediate release of funds. Their voices have been vital in elevating this crisis and standing up for the educational needs of their constituents.
“As advocates for students and families, we urge the Department and OMB to act without further delay. Every day these dollars are withheld is another day of unnecessary harm to our nation’s learners,” the statement concludes.
