Trump administration withholding $108 million in grants for Mass. schools – WBUR

Report on Withholding of $108 Million Federal Education Grants in Massachusetts

Overview

On July 7, 2025, state officials announced that $108 million in federal education grants, originally scheduled for release on July 1, 2025, are currently under review to ensure alignment with President Trump’s priorities. This delay has significant implications for local school districts and their ability to support educational programs.

Impact on Local School Districts

The withheld funds were intended to support a variety of critical educational initiatives, including:

• Summer and after-school programs
• Behavioral and mental health supports
• Bullying prevention and intervention
• Reducing chronic absenteeism
• Purchasing classroom materials and supplies

Governor Maura Healey emphasized the urgency of releasing these funds, stating that delays would harm children, educators, communities, and the economy. Without this funding, districts face potential layoffs, program cancellations, and disruptions to learning.

Federal Department of Education Actions

On June 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education notified states that certain grant award notifications would not be issued as planned. Specifically, funds for the Integrated English Language and Civics Education programs and the Adult Basic Education Grants to States program are being withheld.

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler highlighted the detrimental impact of this withholding, particularly on vulnerable student populations, and stressed that Congress appropriated these funds which must be distributed accordingly.

Broader Context and Political Responses

The Trump administration has paused over $6 billion in education funding, citing that decisions about funding for the academic year are still pending.

Political leaders in Massachusetts have strongly criticized this action:

1. House Speaker Ron Mariano described the withholding as “reckless and mean-spirited.”
2. Senate President Karen Spilka called for respect of Congressional authority and urged immediate release of the funds.

Spilka also urged Congress to assert its constitutional power over appropriations to prevent further delays.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDGs Addressed by the Funding

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The grants support inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by funding programs that enhance learning environments and support vulnerable students.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Behavioral and mental health supports funded by these grants contribute to the well-being of students, addressing mental health challenges and promoting safe school environments.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Funding for English Language and Civics Education and Adult Basic Education programs helps reduce educational disparities among marginalized groups.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By preventing layoffs and supporting educational programs, the grants contribute to economic stability and growth within communities.

Consequences of Funding Delays on SDGs

1. Disruption of Quality Education: Delays hinder the ability of schools to provide essential learning resources and programs, negatively impacting SDG 4.
2. Increased Vulnerability: Withheld funds reduce access to mental health and behavioral support services, affecting SDG 3 outcomes.
3. Widening Inequalities: Suspension of grants for adult and language education programs exacerbates educational inequalities, counteracting SDG 10.
4. Economic Impact: Potential layoffs and program cancellations threaten local economies, undermining SDG 8.

Recommendations

1. Immediate release of the $108 million in federal education grants to support ongoing educational programs aligned with SDGs.
2. Ensure transparency and communication between federal and state agencies regarding funding decisions to prevent future delays.
3. Prioritize funding for programs that address educational equity, mental health, and community well-being in alignment with SDGs.
4. Encourage federal adherence to Congressional appropriations to uphold democratic governance and support sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses federal education grants aimed at supporting summer and after-school programs, behavioral and mental health supports, bullying prevention, reducing chronic absenteeism, and classroom materials, all of which relate directly to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Behavioral and mental health supports mentioned in the article connect to this goal, emphasizing mental health and well-being for students.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The withholding of funds particularly affects vulnerable students and programs like Integrated English Language and Civics Education and Adult Basic Education Grants, which aim to reduce inequalities in education access and outcomes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4 Targets
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
2. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
3. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 4
   • Proportion of children and young people achieving minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics (implied through concerns about disrupted learning and program cancellations).
   • Percentage of schools with access to adequate learning materials and supplies (implied by the need for funding to buy classroom materials).
   • Rates of chronic absenteeism among students (explicitly mentioned as a focus area).
   • Number of students enrolled in after-school and summer programs (implied by funding for these programs).
2. Indicators related to SDG 3
   • Prevalence of mental health support services in schools (implied by behavioral and mental health supports).
3. Indicators related to SDG 10
   • Enrollment and completion rates for Integrated English Language and Civics Education programs and Adult Basic Education Grants (implied by the mention of these programs).
   • Equity in access to education funding and resources for vulnerable populations.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wbur.org