Superintendent Dr. Bicos told the William Penn School District board on July 28 that a federal hold on certain Title funds was lifted recently but the district has not yet received state allocations for the new fiscal year, leaving the district cautious about spending. Board members asked how long the districts short-term borrowing would cover operations; staff said the $10,000,000 TRAN would likely last through about October.

The disclosure came during the superintendents report, which also included school-start dates and other routine announcements. Dr. Bicos said the district expects the federal Title funds now that the federal hold was lifted but that state funding figures have not been provided to school districts. A board member asked when the $10,000,000 TRAN borrowing would need replacement; staff answered "around the October time period." The board discussed proceeding cautiously until money appears in the district portal and officials can enter how they plan to use the funds.

Why it matters: School districts must balance payroll and vendor payments during summer months while awaiting state aid. A gap between expected state receipts and district cash needs can force additional borrowing or spending cuts; the board emphasized prudence until state figures arrive. Board members repeatedly urged staff to avoid assuming funds will flow on schedule even if they have been released to the state.

Supporting details: The superintendent said the federal hold referenced did not include Title I and that notification of the hold being lifted arrived on Thursday or Friday before the July 28 meeting. The superintendent also reported meeting earlier that day with Senator Anthony Williams to discuss charter school payment processes and possible state intervention to slow automatic state payments when districts have incomplete documentation from charter operators.

Context and next steps: Board members were told the district would continue conservative cash management and would update the board as state allocations are confirmed. No formal budget amendment or new borrowing was approved at the July 28 meeting; the remark about the TRAN was an informational response to a board question.

Ending: The board will revisit budget and cash-flow planning once the state posts the districts allocation and staff can reconcile federal and state guidance for the fiscal year.