West Seneca superintendent warns Title II, III and IV federal funds are on hold, nearly $500,000 at risk

West Seneca Central School District Superintendent Dr. Krueger told the Board of Education on July 22 that several federal formula grants the district has relied on for years are currently on hold, placing nearly a half-million dollars in district program funding at risk.

Dr. Krueger said the funds are noncompetitive federal allocations the district typically budgets and programs for each year, and that the grants are approved after the district submits applications describing planned uses. She said the district has been notified the grants are on hold and that the amounts involved include “Title II-A funds that exceed $300,000,” “Title III funds just under $10,000” and “Title IV funds that exceed a $146,000,” which together total nearly $500,000.

“The vast majority of those dollars go directly into teacher salary and benefits,” Dr. Krueger said, adding that the funds support programs that “directly impact our kids and teaching and staff.” She told the board that the district was advised the funds are being held pending federal action and that school districts statewide have received similar notices.

Dr. Krueger described advocacy and outreach she has already pursued — she said she had been in touch with Senator Schumer’s office and that Assemblyman Pat Burke’s office has engaged — and asked the board to consider advocacy on behalf of the district. She said she does not recommend using district reserve funds to replace the grants and warned that tapping reserves now could create longer-term fiscal strain if the reductions persist beyond a single year.

Board members discussed mechanisms for coordinated advocacy; one board member said the Erie County School Boards Association might provide template language for letters to federal or state elected officials. Dr. Krueger said staff will provide suggested contacts and advocacy steps; the board asked that the legislative committee pursue outreach sooner than the next scheduled meeting.

Ending: The board took no fiscal action at the July 22 work session. Dr. Krueger asked members to advocate with state and federal lawmakers and said staff will return with suggested outreach language and contact lists.