Hamilton: Title II funding freeze is a concern
R U S S E L L V I L L E – Franklin County Superintendent Greg Hamilton is concerned about the status of more than $6 billion in federal education grants being withheld by the Trump administration.
State superintendents received notice from the Alabama State Department of Education on July 2 informing them that some grant awards would not be distributed as planned “pending a federal review of the programs.”
The state agency was made aware of the funding pause on June 30 via email from the U.S. Department of Education. The pause began July 1.
“These are programs already approved and funded by Congress,” State Superintendent Eric Mackey stated in the letter. “Alabama has about $68 million help up in this review.”
The grants in question support after-school and summer programs, English language instruction, adult literacy and more.
Mackey said much of the funding is “directly tied to salaries for teachers, teacher aides and other employees.”
Hamilton is particularly concerned with the possible loss of Title II funds, which are aimed at recruiting, developing, supporting and retaining educators, as well as those tied to 21st Century Education programs.
He said that managing a district budget is difficult when the “money was already approved for the 2025-26 budget, and the revenue is pulled after the fact.”
The 21st Century Education program funding is of utmost concern to Hamilton.
Students from kindergarten through sixth grades are welcome to participate in the extended- day program at no cost to their families.
There, they receive homework help, tutoring and a snack every day that school is in session.
Over 440 students across Franklin County Schools attended 21st Century Education afterschool programs during the most recent school year. Hamilton said the loss of the program would put a strain on families in his community.
“The program is an asset for our students and for our parents,” Hamilton said. “Parents know they have a safe place for their children to go during after-school hours while parents are still at work.”
Mackey stated he hopes “the review period” will be short, and funds released quickly.
However, Hamilton is preparing for the worst, just in case.
“The funding is frozen, and a decision (about cancelling the after-school program) will have to be made very soon,” he said. “The only options are pay for it out of local money — a cost the board can’t afford — have parents pay for their child’s extended day care or abolish the program.”
An official with the Russellville City Schools did not respond to requests for information about the impact of the federal funding loss on the city school district.
