Federal Funding Freeze Hits Alaska Schools: Millions in Grants Withheld by Biden Administration
Federal Funding Freeze Hits Alaska Schools: Millions in Grants Withheld by Biden Administration
Alaska schools are grappling with significant financial uncertainty after the U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly froze an estimated $6.2 billion in congressionally approved education funding. This includes a critical $46.4 million earmarked for Alaska, plunging districts into immediate budget shortfalls and prompting hiring freezes.
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development confirmed on Thursday that the federal department notified states that grants, which were expected to be disbursed on July 1, would not be released. Programs affected include those vital for migrant education, supporting effective instruction, English language learning, student support and academic enrichment, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
According to data compiled by the Learning Policy Institute, a nonpartisan education research nonprofit, Alaska faces a withholding of 15% of its total federal K-12 education funds. This includes $21.3 million for migrant education, $10.8 million for supporting effective instruction, and millions more for other crucial programs.
Bryan Zadalis, a public information officer with the state education department, stated via email that the delay is part of a broader review process by the Biden administration, though no timeline for the funds’ release has been provided. He noted that the Department of Education emphasized its intent to align decisions with federal priorities, leaving states without specific guidance on the impact to district-level planning or program operations.
The news has drawn sharp criticism from state officials. Anchorage Democrat Sen. Löki Tobin, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, condemned the move, calling it an “abhorrent and disgusting” attack on children’s right to quality education. She highlighted the particularly severe impact on Anchorage, which could face an additional $15 million loss, compounding existing budget deficits following Governor Mike Dunleavy’s recent veto of per-student funding.
The Anchorage School District, which serves nearly 43,000 students, has already implemented a hiring freeze for positions funded by these programs, pending clarification of their financial outlook. This federal freeze, coupled with state-level budget challenges, poses a severe threat to educational continuity and opportunities for Alaska’s students.
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