Worcester spared education cuts as Trump releases $5.5 billion in frozen US school funding
Twenty Worcester Public School jobs have been secured following the Trump administration’s decision to release $5.5 billion in previously frozen federal education funding. The school district is set to receive $3.5 million from the reinstated funds, which will support its existing budget and staffing plans.The funds were part of a nationwide education allocation frozen in June while the US Department of Education conducted a review to assess alignment with the Trump administration’s priorities. The freeze affected public schools across the country, with Massachusetts set to receive $108 million. Worcester’s share of the total was $3.5 million.Worcester receives full $3.5 million allocation after freeze reversedIn a statement provided to MassLive, Worcester Public Schools confirmed that the $3.5 million in federal grant funding would be received in full. According to the statement, the funding supports “instructional coaching, safety training and support for data analysis and technology.”Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, who also serves as chairman of the School Committee, told MassLive that the district is no longer planning any cuts. “They’re safe,” Petty said in a phone call with MassLive. “We’re not planning on cutting.”Trump administration restores nationwide funding after pressureThe Trump administration announced the release of the $5.5 billion on a Friday following pressure from several Republican lawmakers. According to The New York Times, 10 Senate Republicans signed a letter urging the administration to unfreeze the funds.Attorney General Andrea Campbell and 23 other attorneys general had previously filed a lawsuit in July against the administration, challenging the legality of the freeze. In a statement cited by MassLive, Campbell stated that although releasing the funds was the right decision, the freeze had “caused chaos and confusion.”Massachusetts to receive $108 million through state education departmentPetty informed MassLive that Worcester’s funds would be distributed via the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Governor Maura Healey also responded to the federal decision, stating that the earlier freeze had “caused major disruptions for our schools,” as reported by MassLive.Federal funds protect 20 Worcester school positionsIf the funds had remained frozen, Worcester Public Schools would have faced the elimination of 20 administrative positions. With the release of the $3.5 million, those roles are now secured, according to district officials quoted by MassLive.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
