As representatives of the K–12 teachers and leaders in the core subject areas, we are alarmed by the decision to withhold billions of dollars in federal funding that Congress approved for our nation’s schools. Almost $7 billion in federal K–12 education funding, approved by Congress and scheduled for distribution on July 1, is now being withheld. The loss of these funds impacts every state and territory in the nation, thousands of schools and districts, and the students and educators they serve. These funds are necessary to support children in acquiring essential content knowledge and competencies during summer and after-school programs. They also support teachers with professional development and essential instructional resources.

Investing in children and teachers serves as the backbone of high-quality education for every student, in every community. Communities thrive only if their schools thrive. By freezing or eliminating nearly $7 billion in funding without a clear justification, timeline, or plan, these actions will harm American children and communities. At a time when we should expand supports to meet students’ needs, including mental health services, withholding taxpayer dollars sends a message that our collective investment in America’s future is unnecessary—and the cost will be highest for American communities that need it most.

A lack of funding in some rural communities has already resulted in eliminating essential high school courses. Withholding additional funds leaves states and localities with impossible choices: cutting courses, programs, and services; increasing class sizes; deferring long-planned initiatives that address persistent learning and achievement challenges; and leaving little opportunity to continue teacher professional development. 

The ripple effects of the unlawful withholding of allocated educational funds are far reaching. In communities large and small, working families lose reliable after-school care; at-risk students are increasingly isolated; and teachers and support staff face added stress and impossible workloads. These actions not only undermine the professionals dedicated to serving every student, but they also threaten the promise of public education as a driver of increased opportunity, economic growth, community strength, and our democracy. We call on the administration to release these allocated funds immediately and reaffirm its commitment to supporting, rather than destabilizing, our nation’s communities.

This statement was coauthored by the four professional organizations for teachers: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council for the Social Studies, and the National Science Teaching Association.

# # #