Dr. Randy Watson Commissioner of Education | Kansas State Department of Education
Kansas education officials have been informed of a delay in the distribution of federal funds, initially approved by Congress for various educational programs. The U.S. Department of Education (USED) has put on hold payments intended for student learning, teacher development, and other services.
Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Education Commissioner, shared that he was notified about the review of funding for several Title programs on June 30. "Normally we would receive notice by July 1 that these funds are being awarded for the coming school year," Watson said. However, the funding remains uncertain pending USED's review.
The delay affects nearly $50 million in Title funding across several programs:
- Title I, Part C: Migrant Education ($6.2 million) supports students from families working in industries like fisheries and food processing.
- Title II, Part A: Teacher and School Leader Supports ($15.8 million) funds professional development for educators.
- Title III, Part A: English Learners ($4.8 million) provides services to English learners.
- Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment ($8.3 million) aims to improve academic achievement through well-rounded education access and technology use.
- Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Before and After-School Programs ($7.8 million), also known as the Nita M. Lowey program, supports out-of-school time activities.
Watson expressed concern over potential challenges for rural districts due to cuts in specific programs like Title II-A and Title IV-A which provide flexibility under the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP).
Additionally, Watson mentioned receiving information from USED indicating that adult basic and literacy education programs will not proceed at this time.
"We don’t know when the review of these and other programs will be completed or if we will receive the already approved funding," Watson stated. He advised Kansas districts to plan accordingly without a clear timetable for fund release.
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