District told federal education funds are being withheld; Valley Center USD 262 faces roughly $102,000 shortfall
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Summary
District staff reported the U.S. Department of Education is reviewing a federal appropriation, with roughly $6.2 billion nationwide and about $45 million for Kansas withheld; USD 262’s share was estimated at about $102,000, affecting Title II-A and Title IV-A allocations.
District staff provided a federal funding update to the Valley Center USD 262 board explaining that some federally allocated education funds are currently being held for review by the U.S. Department of Education.
A district staff member, identified in the meeting transcript as Mr. Lear, told trustees that the appropriation bill allocating the funds was signed by the President in March and the money has been allocated, but the Department of Education has withheld distribution while it conducts a review. “The federal government has the money, but we don't know if we're gonna see it,” Mr. Lear said.
Key figures and program impacts - Mr. Lear reported about $6.2 billion nationwide in the affected appropriation; Kansas’ share in the allocation was roughly $45 million. - USD 262’s allocated amount from these specific federal sources is approximately $102,000, Mr. Lear said. - Title II-A (professional development and related substitute costs) constituted the largest portion for USD 262 (about $76,000). Title IV-A (STEM, college/career counseling and other activities) accounted for roughly $55,000 in the district’s allocation. The district reported no allocation for Title I-C (migrant education) or Title III-A in this round.
Mr. Lear also told the board there is a separate federal voucher proposal included in the larger package that the speaker described as having no cap; he quoted one estimate that the uncapped voucher program “could be anywhere. It could be $50,000,000,000.” He noted states would need to opt in for the program to apply at the state level.
Board members cautioned staff on budgeting: several members encouraged the district to avoid counting the funds in the budget until they are actually received and cited prior instances where federal funds were withheld temporarily and later released.
Implications District staff said the withheld funds would most likely affect professional development plans and other line items that rely on federal allocations; staff will reassign or find alternative local funding if the federal money does not arrive.
Ending: Staff invited board questions and said they will report further updates as the Department of Education releases guidance or funds.