WESLACO, Texas — Weslaco ISD told trustees July 31 that several federal grant awards — including migrant education, Title I (supportive instruction), Title II (professional development), Title III (English‑language acquisition) and Title IV (student supports and academic enrichment, including ACE programs) — were briefly placed on hold in late June, then released by the U.S. Department of Education and TEA on July 25–28.

District staff said the ACE (after‑school and extended‑learning) funds were released July 21, and the remainder of the funds were cleared by the U.S. Department of Education July 28 after a pause in late June. The district credited rapid follow-up with federal and state contacts and said commissioners’ office calls helped clarify distribution timing.

As a result of the pause and the uncertainty around next year’s funding, the administration said it is “studying all state and federal grant positions as they may not be funded after this school year.” The district told trustees that positions funded solely by grants could be eliminated if the programs are not continued; staff were urged to seek permanent certification options where possible.

Trustees thanked administrators for rapid outreach to minimize employee panic during the pause. Trustee Jackie Soudaica noted the administration’s efforts to sustain staff pay and that the district had contingency plans to cover immediate needs while the freeze was being resolved.

Administration also described a local pilot to expand after‑school meals that has been implemented initially at high schools and is being explored for wider roll‑out; details such as exact service windows and eligible campuses remain under development.

No board action was taken; trustees asked administration to continue monitoring federal allocations and to notify staff whose roles depend on grant funding.