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Superintendent warns federal shutdown is straining students and staff; district running food drives as stopgap
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Cabral told the committee the federal government shutdown has interrupted SNAP benefits and limited Department of Education support; the district has started food drives and backpack programs while monitoring potential grant and staffing impacts.
Superintendent Dr. Cabral told the Nov. 12 School Committee meeting that the ongoing federal government shutdown has already affected students and staff in the district.
Cabral said many families rely on SNAP benefits and that interruptions have left children and seniors facing food instability. In response, the district has organized food drives and provided backpacks with food to supplement household needs. Cabral noted that, because the U.S. Department of Education and agencies like the Office for Civil Rights are effectively paused during the shutdown, district staff have had diminished federal assistance for compliance and investigations.
Cabral also said some district employees are experiencing financial hardship because family members who are federal employees have missed paychecks. While grant funding to the district is currently maintained through state allocations, he said the long‑term implications of paused federal services and potential permanent position eliminations remain uncertain.
Cabral thanked outgoing executive administrative assistant Lynn Souza for 13 years of service and noted the district does not yet have a replacement. He said the district will watch developments closely and is advocating through state channels; he will attend Chapter 70 listening sessions to press for more equitable school funding.
