OSPI NEWS RELEASE: State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on the Federal Government’s Threat to Withold Congressionally Approved Funds from Washington State and All Other States

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 07/01/2025 02:36 PM PDT

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State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on the Federal Government’s Threat to Withold Congressionally Approved Funds from Washington State and All Other States

The U.S. Department of Education sent a message to all state education chiefs Monday afternoon, signaling alarm that funding for key programs affecting students and educators may be immediately rescinded. Below is State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal Image

OLYMPIA—July 1, 2025—Yesterday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Education sent a short, unsigned message to education chiefs in all 50 states that funding for five federal programs, planned in statute to be available to states and local districts in the upcoming school year, is undergoing further review "in accordance with the President’s priorities...”. The traditional timeline for this funding to be allocated to states is today, July 1st.

At risk is funding for Title I, Part C (migrant education), Title II, Part A (professional learning for educators), Title III, Part A (English language learners) and Title IV, Parts A and B (before- and after-school programs and other programs that promote supplemental learning).

If states lose access to funds for these essential programs, Washington’s school districts will see an immediate decrease of approximately $137 million, amounting to 15.6% of our state’s federal K–12 funding. This is a financial risk to districts, because they’ve made programming and employment commitments with the assumption that they’d be receiving this funding. Losses of this amount, with such short notice and after local budgets have already been drafted and adopted by local school boards, have the potential to put several more school districts in extreme financial distress.

Funding for the upcoming school year was allocated by Congress in the continuing resolution they approved, and President Trump signed into law, in March 2025. It is a reckless decision by the Trump Administration to potentially rescind funding that was appropriated by Congress to local school districts and students.

The Office of Management and Budget's failure to use transparent and fair processes, paired with the Department of Education’s intentionally feckless effort to support public education in the United States, is only one example of how our Republic is being burnt to the ground by this Administration.

The rule of law is on its final breath, and it has become clear that Congress is incapable of defending itself from the Executive Branch that is intent on destroying the separation of powers and the checks and balances inherent in having a Congress. It is mind boggling and disastrous to watch members of Congress, in the majority and in the minority, put up no legal fight as they get trampled by this negligent and careless Administration. Now is the time for every state Attorney General to come together and defend the separation of powers established by the U.S. Constitution. It is clear that the states will have to do what Congress won’t do for themselves. Our students, educators, and local communities are paying a dear price for Congress’ failure to defend its appropriations.

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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