OLYMPIA—The U.S. Department of Education has announced a significant decision to release all $137 million in previously frozen funds to Washington state, a move that will bring relief to educators, families, and students ahead of the upcoming school year.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal expressed his gratitude for this change, stating, “This is a welcome change in direction—school districts, educators, families, and students can take a deep breath knowing vital services won’t be abruptly ended or reduced.”
The funding had been withheld since June 30, when the Department of Education notified all 50 states that the funds would not be allocated as scheduled for further review consistent with the President’s priorities.
The delayed funds were aimed at supporting crucial programs, including Title I, Part C for migrant education, Title II, Part A for professional development for educators, Title III, Part A for multilingual and English learners, and Title IV, Parts A and B for before- and after-school programs, which are integral to supplemental learning.
In addition, adult education programs tied to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act faced setbacks due to the funding freeze. This impacted learners in community colleges, public schools, libraries, and correctional facilities who are seeking English proficiency or high school diplomas, with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges estimating over $13 million in withheld funds.
Reykdal noted the serious consequences of this funding freeze, saying, “This had the potential to put several school districts in financial distress, cause educators and school staff to lose jobs that are essential to student learning and limit the core services that students typically receive and rely on to help them be successful in school.”
On July 14, Attorney General Nick Brown revealed that his office had joined a coalition of 24 states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget.
The lawsuit aimed to secure the release of approximately $7 billion in frozen non-competitive formula grants for all participating states.
In Washington, education officials, alongside families from across the country, advocated jointly for the release of these funds, demonstrating a collective effort.
Reykdal emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in this outcome: “This bipartisan outcome was made possible by all states working together for something we can all get behind—high-quality and accessible public education that serves ALL students in America.
Our schools, our local communities, and ultimately, the future of our nation, are made better when we make targeted investments so each and every student is supported.”
However, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, criticized the Trump administration for the delays that led to this funding freeze.
Murray stated, “This administration deserves no credit for just barely averting a crisis they themselves set in motion.
You don’t thank a burglar for returning your cash after you’ve spent a month figuring out if you’d have to sell your house to make up the difference.
It’s time for President Trump, Secretary McMahon, and Russ Vought to stop playing games with students’ futures and families’ livelihoods—and end their illegal assault on our students and their schools.”
image source from：lynnwoodtimes
