Quick Take
The Trump administration is withholding about $10 million in federal funding from Santa Cruz County schools as part of a broader freeze affecting over $6.2 billion nationwide. The cuts threaten key programs including migrant education, afterschool activities and support for English language learners.
The Trump administration is withholding about $10 million in federal funding from local public schools in what Santa Cruz County’s top education official called an “unjust” and “arbitrary” move that will harm those most in need.
“It goes against our values and is not in the best interest of students,” said Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah. “We’re going to continue to advocate on behalf of our students and hopefully reverse this action.”
The funding, which was approved by the president in March, supports teacher professional development, English language learners, student enrichment programs, migrant students and afterschool and summer school programs.
Sabbah said the majority of the $10 million is being withheld from programs in Pajaro Valley Unified School District, including about $3 million that fully funds the district’s migrant education program. About $4.6 million goes to the district’s afterschool programs and nearly $400,000 is distributed to an adult education program.
The White House has been withholding more than $6.2 billion in congressionally approved federal funds for schools across the country since last Tuesday. The federal government says it’s withholding the funds as it reviews the spending, including between $810 million and $1 billion directed toward California schools.
The California Department of Education received a notice June 30 from the Trump administration that said it would not be releasing the funds for the upcoming year on July 1 and provided “no legal justification,” according to a news release by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
“Every child will feel the impact of this disruption delivered shortly before the start of the school year, when our students, educators, and families should be anticipating the year ahead and making plans to support our children’s learning and growth,” Thurmond said in the statement.
The county superintendent said schools are still in the process of understanding which programs have been affected and how much federal funding has been withheld. Sabbah said it’s too soon to know if districts will have to eliminate programs.
Federal officials haven’t provided a timeline for how long the review will take.
“These are safety net systems that have been effective in helping students be successful in our school system and beyond,” said Sabbah. “Taking these safety net systems away creates more challenges for our students.”
County officials said Thursday afternoon that they were analyzing the possible local impacts of Trump’s massive domestic policy bill, which Congress voted to approve earlier in the day. It includes deep cuts to health insurance and food assistance programs, services relied on by about a third of Santa Cruz County residents.
“It’s incredibly disheartening that the House passed a revised budget bill, which now includes even deeper Medicaid and SNAP cuts added by the Senate, impacting our most vulnerable community members,” said County Board of Supervisors Chair Felipe Hernandez wrote in a news release. “However, our commitment to serving those who need us most remains strong, and our work is even more vital during these challenging and uncertain times.”
County leaders said they expect the California legislature to hold a special session in the fall to decide whether to make any changes to the state budget as a result of federal cuts.
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