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IASB News

Call to Action: Federal Education Funding

  • Date Posted
    July 2, 2025
  • Category
    Legislative Update
The Illinois Association of School Boards has issued a Call to Action to its members in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to not issue Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B grant programs on July 1.

IASB, in coordination with the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), will be in contact with the appropriate Congressional Members and staff to advocate for the timely release of funds. IASB will continue to update members on developments.

Call to Action
School board members whose districts are impacted by this funding delay are encouraged to contact their Member of Congress to express the importance of these programs, support for funding them, and concerns about disruptions caused by these actions.

If board members have additional questions or need further advocacy support, contact Kristin Fitzgerald, Senior Director of Governmental Relations, at kfitzgerald@iasb.com.  

Federal Education Funding Delay
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education sent Illinois and all other states a message stating that the Department will not be issuing Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B grant programs on July 1. The Department also indicated it is conducting a review to ensure spending aligns with the administration’s priorities and responsibilities, and funds would not be released until that review is complete.  

According to documentation from the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) the total program allotments for Illinois are over $243 million and include: 
  • Title I-C for migrant education ($1.9 million) 
  • Title II-A for professional development ($75.6 million) 
  • Title III-A for English-learner services ($30.4 million) 
  • Title IV-A for academic enrichment ($56.6 million) 
  • Title IV-B for 21st century community learning centers/before and after school programs ($54.3 million) 
On July 1, the Illinois State Board of Education issued a response strongly criticizing the Department’s actions. Though these programs have been targeted for elimination by the Department in the forthcoming budget year, funding for this year was already appropriated by Congress. Thus, failure to release these funds challenges Congressional authority.