The Council Rock School District Board of School Directors voted 6-2 on July 17 to approve a resolution asking federal and state lawmakers to restore roughly $242,332 in federal Title II-A, Title III-A and Title IV-A grants the district says were frozen after the budget was adopted.

Board President Scott Tate called for a roll-call vote after extended public discussion and amendments. The motion to approve the resolution was made by board member Ms. Jen Oseki and seconded; the second was not named in the meeting record.

The resolution, as approved, asks U.S. senators and the district’s U.S. representative to advocate for restoration of the funds and directs that copies be sent to specified state legislators. Board members who voted yes were Tate, Ms. Polly Ozaki, Ms. Khan, Ms. Stone, Ms. Warner and Ms. Polley. Mr. Joseph Roosevelt and Mr. Hickey voted no; Mr. Hidalgo was recorded as not present for the final vote. The board president said the dollar amount on the draft was updated before posting and that state and local legislators would be added to the distribution list.

Supporters said acting quickly would amplify the district’s voice in Washington. Public commenter Jen McCarcher told the board she “would hope that every board member can stand up for our district and the kids and vote for this resolution,” saying the freezes threaten programs for students with special needs and English learners.

Opponents and several board members objected to the process and some of the wording. Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Hickey said they supported pursuing the funding but wanted changes to the draft’s language or more time for committee review. Ms. Oseki and other members said the resolution was urgent and that multiple county and state advocacy efforts were already underway.

District business manager David Rapp and Superintendent Dr. Sanco addressed budget implications during the meeting. Dr. Sanco said the district would continue to operate planned programs and that, for now, “we would use fund balance to pay for these positions” while the grants are under review; he framed that as a temporary step while the district seeks restoration.

The board recorded the motion and vote in public session and directed the administration and solicitor to finalize distribution and any edits. The resolution will be sent to the named federal and state lawmakers and other relevant education policy officials as indicated in the board minutes.

The board also discussed alternate draft language submitted by several members and agreed to add local state legislators’ names to the copies to be distributed. The action follows similar advocacy by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and legal action by the Pennsylvania governor mentioned during the meeting.

With this vote the board took a formal, public position asking elected officials to restore funds the district had budgeted for teacher training, English-language acquisition services and academic-enrichment supports.