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Manatee speakers press school board for clarity after federal education funding freeze
Summary
Students, parents and community members urged the School Board of Manatee County to hold a town hall and adopt a resolution after the U.S. Department of Education paused multiple grant flows; district staff said leaders moved to limit nonessential spending and that 21st Century after‑school funding has been restored.
Hundreds of students, parents and community members asked the School Board of Manatee County on July 22 to tell the public how a federal pause on education grants will affect local programs and to host a public town hall.
At the meeting, community speakers said the U.S. Department of Education’s hold on several formula and competitive grants has left families, teachers and after‑school program operators uncertain about services when school starts. “We deserve transparency between the board and the community,” said Jalen Gentilly, who identified himself as a Manatee County community member.
Why it matters: Speakers warned that the freeze could threaten after‑school and summer programs, English‑learner supports and other services that districts commonly fund with federal dollars and urged the board to adopt a public…
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