BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Federal education funds exceeding $50 million, previously frozen for nearly a month, have been released, as announced by the U.S. Department of Education.
The funds, which include allocations from Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A ESEA, and Title II WIOA, will be available to states starting next week. This release brings relief to Alabama educators and administrators as the new school year commences. Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey expressed his joy, emphasizing the importance of government transparency and thanking the Department for its commitment to students and schools.
Several Alabama school districts reopen this Thursday, with more scheduled to follow next week. U.S. Senator Katie Britt, one of ten Republican senators advocating for the funds’ release, praised the decision. “I applaud the announcement,” she stated, adding that local communities are best equipped to serve students and families. The funding will enhance educational opportunities across the state.
The released funds will contribute to several federal grant programs, including those supporting English learners and migrant students, while also addressing class size reduction. Mackey noted that these funds would finance 280 teachers in Alabama. Additionally, $10 million earmarked for postsecondary adult education was also released.
District leaders had anticipated access to these funds by July 1. However, a June 30 communication from the U.S. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education indicated delays for review. Nationwide, the funding freeze initially affected over $7 billion, with Alabama’s share exceeding $70 million. Earlier this week, $21 million for Alabama’s afterschool and summer programs was also allocated.
Federal funding constitutes roughly 10% of Alabama’s K-12 education budget, significantly supporting special education and low-income student services. For fiscal year 2025, the state is set to receive more than $600 million in federal education aid.
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