Feds Release Full Funding For Local Schools

The U.S. Department of Education has ended weeks of funding uncertainty for local schools after an announcement Friday that it will release the remaining balance of an anticipated $6 billion in education grants to states.

The announcement comes a week after $1.3 billion to provide after-school and summer learning programs for students was released, and almost a month after state education officials were notified the money was being withheld until a review of the funds could be completed.

States normally receive federal education funds for programs like before- and after-school enrichment and adult education on July 1. Some schools in West Virginia are weeks away from resuming classes for the fall. Even with the federal funding released, the delay could put many districts in a difficult financial position.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., wrote a letter July 16 to Russel Vought, director of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, urging him to release the funds. Nine other Senate Republicans signed the letter, including Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va.

In a press release Friday, Capito said she was glad Vought followed through on her request to release funds for critical programs that so many rely on.

“The education formula funding included in the FY2025 Continuing Resolution Act supports critical programs that so many rely on. The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education,” Capito said. “That’s why it’s important we continue to protect and support these programs. I made this clear to OMB Director Vought and was glad he followed through on my request to release all of the education formula dollars that states across the country are expecting to receive.”

Justice also released a statement Friday applauding the Trump administration’s release of the funds.

“Promising to protect West Virginians’ best interests is why I was elected, and results like this show what can happen when you work in good faith with others across government and put people over politics,” he said. “The release of these funds will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the kids of West Virginia, and I’ll continue to advocate with Senator Capito for the best possible outcomes when problems like this arise.”