Friday, August 1, 2025

Pasadena Schools To Recover $1.2 Million After Release Of Frozen Federal Education Funds

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

State officials announced California secured nearly $1 billion in previously frozen Trump administration funds

Pasadena schools are set to recover more than $1.2 million in federal education funding after California secured the release of nearly $1 billion that the Trump administration had previously frozen, state officials announced last week.

The Pasadena Unified School District projected a potential loss of $1,202,482 for the Fiscal Year 2025—26 during the freeze, with funds earmarked for professional development, English learners and immigrant students, and academic enrichment programs.

The breakdown included $604,612 from Title II Part A grants, $211,452 from Title III, $47,782 from Title III Immigrant and $338,635 from Title IV Part A. Title I-C funds were not applicable to the district.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said the California Department of Education received confirmation July 25 that the U.S. Department of Education will release the funds following weeks of delays.

“California schools have been waiting for these resources to serve students, and now nearly $1 billion of illegally impounded federal education funds will finally reach our classrooms,” Thurmond said.

“The Trump administration’s delay created unacceptable uncertainty for our schools and harmed many of our most vulnerable students. However, we are moving swiftly to ensure these funds support students, educators, and school communities without further interruption.”

The freeze, announced by President Donald Trump earlier this year, halted about $6 billion in federal school funding nationwide, including $800 million intended for California schools. The funds are designated for after-school programs, support for English learners and migrant students, and professional development for educators.

Pasadena Unified School District officials monitored the situation closely and anticipated potential impacts on district programs.

California officials condemned the freeze at the time, calling it illegal and politically motivated. “We will not stand by as the President uses children’s futures as leverage for his political agenda,” Thurmond said in an earlier statement.

When the freeze was announced Pasadena Unified School District Board President said “Public education is a promise we make to every child, and that promise must be kept. We stand united with educators and families across the nation in demanding that the funding approved by Congress be delivered without delay.”

The California Department of Education said it has now received grant award notifications for multiple programs, including Title II-A Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, Title III-A English Language Acquisition and Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants. An updated award for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program was also included.

State education officials said funds will soon begin reaching local districts, including Pasadena.