In Nevada, the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze over $61 million in school funding has sparked concerns about the impact on critical educational services. The Department of Education’s move affects funds from several key programs, including Title I-C for migrant education, Title II-A for professional development, Title III-A for English-learner services, and both Title IV-A and IV-B for academic enrichment and before- and after-school programs.
Dawn Etcheverry, President of the Nevada State Education Association, expressed her concern over the decision. “Against the backdrop of a budget bill that threatens to strip health care from millions of Americans and cut off food assistance for millions of children, today’s harmful and perplexing decision by the Department of Education puts essential after-school programs, teacher training, and support for migrant students at serious risk,” she stated.
The withholding of these funds is particularly disruptive as states typically receive their federal education dollars each July 1 to prepare for the upcoming school year. Districts rely on this funding to cover educator salaries, vendor contracts, curriculum purchases, technology needs, and other essential services. The delay or absence of these funds could force districts to cut student services or seek alternative resources.
Etcheverry highlighted the additional burden this places on schools already facing financial challenges. “Just weeks after Nevada’s Governor and Legislature approved a mere $2 increase in per-pupil funding, forcing districts to confront immediate budget shortfalls, this federal freeze creates yet another burden,” she said. “Our schools are now under even greater pressure to maintain critical programs while trying to balance already strained budgets for the year ahead.”
The Nevada State Education Association has voiced its readiness to oppose these actions. Etcheverry added that “stripping away these resources forces schools to shoulder yet another round of unfunded mandates, deepening financial strain, and diminishing the quality of education for students in every classroom.”
This development is viewed by some as part of broader policies perceived as undermining public education by diverting funds away from school districts. The association is prepared to join efforts aimed at stopping what they consider harmful actions against public education.
