With the new school year weeks away, President Donald Trump’s administration has released $6.8 billion in previously frozen federal education funds, including money for Pennsylvania schools.
The U.S. Department of Education confirmed Friday the approval of the release of the funds.
The decision comes as states and districts worried about potential unanticipated budget deficits.
Pennsylvania is set to receive $230 million, the sixth-largest allocation among states, according to an analysis by Education Week.
The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported that the Pennsylvania Education Department estimated $20 million are set for adult education grants, $54 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, $20 million for English language acquisition, $70 million for support effective instruction, and $11 million for migrant education.
Trump administration officials had told reporters previously that the money had been held for a “review.”
The delayed release had drawn bipartisan criticism in Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans voicing concerns about the potential impact on school operations.
School districts, including those in Bucks County, have faced uncertainty due to abrupt holds and cancellations of federal funds.
While federal funding typically makes up a small portion of local school district budgets, the lack of the money can disrupt programs and create unexpected budget gaps.
The release of the funds follows a March executive order signed by President Trump aimed at largely eliminating the U.S. Department of Education.
After input from now-former government employee and contractor Elon Musk’s government efficiency office, the department announced wide scale employee layoffs.
In statements, the federal education department has asserted that it is the Trump administration’s mission to “return education to the states.”
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