As the first day of school gets closer, Arizona educators worry about withheld federal funds

Educators are becoming increasingly concerned about the billions of dollars in K-12 funding being held up by the Trump administration.

Some Arizona schools start as early as July 16, and certain programs could be on hold.

The U.S. Department of Education was due to release funds for five federal programs on July 1 but decided not to do so, saying the previously approved grants are being reviewed to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance with President Trump’s priorities.

Alexis Aguirre works with English language learners in the Osborn Elementary School District. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, she said this year, her middle school students doubled their English proficiency rates.

“But this progress takes people. It takes training. It takes curriculum and when federal funding disappears, we’re not trimming excess," Aguirre said. "We’re trimming to the core of our public education system.”

Of the $6 billion dollars in frozen federal funds, Arizona is due about $118 million.

The grants support before and after school programs, resources for English language learners and migrant students, and professional development for educators.

“We’re making miracles happen on a shoestring budget," Aguirre said. "So Title III funds from the federal government have been a lifeline.”