Vermont faces uncertainty as federal education funds are withheld

The Vermont Agency of Education has been informed by the U.S. Department of Education that federal funding allocations amounting to $26 million for the fiscal year 2025 will not be available to Vermont public schools on July 1. These funds, already included in school district budgets for the 2025-2026 academic year, are crucial for supporting vulnerable students and various educational programs.

Vermont Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders expressed concern over this development, stating that "withholding these funds, even temporarily, disrupts districts’ ability to staff critical positions and provide a wide range of programming." The withheld funds affect programs such as Title I for migrant children, Title II for effective instruction support, Title III for English language learners, and Title IV promoting safe and healthy schools. Additionally, adult education programs funded by Basic Grants to States are impacted.

The U.S. Department of Education has indicated that decisions regarding submissions and awards have not been finalized, hence grant notifications will not be issued until a review is completed. No timeline or assurance on fund allocation has been provided.

To mitigate impacts on schools, the Vermont Agency of Education is offering intensive support to districts. They are also seeking clarity from congressional delegates and national partners while providing updates via their federal updates webpage.