Pinellas school leaders warn federal review of grants could remove $9 million from next school year

Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Hendrick said July 15 that the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget have placed multiple federal grant awards for review, withholding about $9 million intended for the district and creating a gap the board must address before the new school year.

Hendrick told the board the nationwide hold affects roughly $7 billion and that local impacts include reduced funding through FEFP adjustments and cuts to federal grant awards that support professional development, English-learner instruction, enrichment and after‑school programs. He said the district will present budget recommendations at a July 22 workshop and a tentative budget and millage hearing on July 29 that will not assume the withheld funds have been released.

Why it matters: The impoundment affects programs that district staff said were already operating or scheduled to begin July 1. Hendrick told board members that 47 employees are funded through the affected grants and that, while the district will not lay off those staff, positions and programs paid by the grants will be adjusted or cease if the money is not released.

Details and scope

Hendrick identified the specific federal awards currently paused:…