A coalition of 31 national education organizations is pressing the U.S. Department of Education to release $2.19 billion in federal education funds. The funds, allocated under Title II, Part A (Title II-A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), were approved in the Fiscal Year 2025 Continuing Resolution signed into law on March 15.
The coalition, which includes the American Federation of School Administrators, addressed a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. They urged the department to allocate the funds using the formulas set in the Fiscal Year 2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act. The letter emphasized the critical need for these funds, stating, “These funds are essential to the operation and strategic planning of school districts across the country.” The letter warned against any delays or changes in allocations, noting that they “could have devastating impacts on students, educators, and communities.”
Title II-A is a federal program designed to enhance educator quality in classrooms. It finances professional development for teachers, mentoring for new educators, and efforts to build strong school leadership. Some districts use these funds to reduce class sizes and expand teacher certifications.
Education leaders highlighted the potential negative outcomes of interrupted funding, citing possible staff layoffs and the removal of essential services for students. They noted that, in many states, districts are legally mandated to provide certain professional development programs, which could become unfunded mandates without the timely release of Title II-A funds.
“Talented, motivated, and highly effective educators and school leaders are essential to student success,” the letter emphasized. The timing of the funds is critical, as districts are finalizing budgets for the 2025-26 academic year. The groups request that the funds be released by July 1, in line with previous practices.
Challenges such as chronic absenteeism, academic recovery, staffing shortages, and growing mental health needs among students continue to affect school systems nationwide. Education leaders argue that consistent federal support is essential to address these issues.
The advocates concluded, “Our schools cannot succeed without sustained investment in educators. It is paramount that districts be able to rely on Title II-A funding as intended by Congress.”
