The Trump administration has declared that it will simply fail to honor its legal obligation to distribute over $6 billion in education funding to states. Kris Nordstrom, Senior Policy Analyst, Education & Law Project, breaks down what that looks like in North Carolina (and probably in your state as well).
The Trump administration is unlawfully cutting North Carolina school budgets by $154 million. This amount is significant as $154 million could hire 1,960 new teachers or provide existing teachers with a 3 percent pay raise.
The Trump administration announced on June 30 that they will be withholding the following federal grants that have been appropriated by Congress. Dollar amounts indicate the amount North Carolina received for these programs in the prior year.
- Title I-C for migrant education: Funds programs meeting the special educational needs of children of migrant agricultural workers. ($4,427,798)
- Title II-A for professional development: Increases the academic achievement of all students by ensuring that all teachers are highly qualified to teach through additional professional development opportunities. ($62,575,745)
- Title III-A for English-learner services: Supports English Learners (ELs), including immigrant children and youth, in achieving English proficiency, academic excellence, and meeting state standards. ($18,371,807)
- Title IV-A for academic enrichment: Boosts students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of schools to provide students with access to a well-rounded education, improving school conditions for student learning, and expanding the use of technology. ($35,383,224)
- Title IV-B for before- and after-school programs: The program supports low-performing schools by establishing or expanding community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low performing schools. ($33,219,241)
As a result of this impoundment of funding authorized by Congress, school districts across the state will be required to slash student services. These cuts will disproportionately fall upon rural districts and districts with the greatest share of students experiencing poverty.