Transylvania County Schools says federal funds frozen; district readies contingencies

Dr. Fletcher, superintendent of Transylvania County Schools, told the school board the U.S. Department of Education had put a previously approved funding release on hold and said the district does not yet know how long the freeze will last. “No programs are going to be cut due to the funding freeze,” Dr. Fletcher said.

The superintendent said county staff had asked district officials in February to provide an accounting of annual federal funding and uses after reports about a potential Department of Education shutdown. Fletcher said the district has been “proactive” since first learning of the possibility and that the system is in a stronger position than many peers. For the first time the district expects dedicated ROTC funding, which Fletcher estimated at roughly $220,000 to $250,000 and said could be reallocated to other federal programs if the freeze continues.

Why it matters: Local school budgets commonly rely on federal streams for special education, subsidized meals and other services. Parents and community members used public comment to press the board for a clearer strategy and public advocacy amid uncertainty. At least three speakers told the board the freeze demonstrated a larger policy shift they see as an attack on public education; Cassie Brashears called the action “chaos disguised as reform.”

Board members and staff said the district and county are coordinating contingency plans. Dr. Fletcher and other staff said they have begun preparing applications and program plans so that, if funds are released later, the district can move quickly. Carrie Norris, who presented the district’s annual “intent to apply” for federal programs, said staff would complete applications by the state deadline and that amounts remain unknown while the federal hold is in effect.

Public comment and oversight: Multiple commenters urged the board to be more visible and proactive in advocating for the district at the state and federal level. One speaker asked whether board members had contacted state legislators or members of Congress to press for funds; several urged the board to lead a public engagement and advocacy plan.

Next steps: District staff said they will continue to track the federal review, update the board as new information arrives and proceed with application work in case funding is restored. Dr. Fletcher said the district could reallocate newly confirmed program dollars if needed but would not cut programs because of the current freeze.

Ending: Board members acknowledged the community concern and said they and county leaders are working on contingency measures; a number of parents and residents asked for a public timeline of advocacy steps and for the board to publicly press elected officials to restore or replace federal support.