By Keith Poston, President, WakeEd Partnership
As families across the country wrapped up Fourth of July celebrations, school districts like Wake County Public Schools were working to address a serious funding blow—one that could immediately disrupt critical support for students and educators.
On June 30, the Trump Administration abruptly froze nearly $6.8 billion in federal education funding that had been scheduled for release on July 1—the first day of the new fiscal year. These funds were not optional or discretionary. They had been fully approved and appropriated by Congress, with bipartisan support, and were intended to help school districts across the country prepare for the new year.
In Wake County, the impact is real: more than $8.1 million in expected federal funds for the 2025–26 school year are now being withheld. These dollars support academic enrichment programs, services for English language learners, before- and after-school care, and teacher coaching and training. Without them, WCPSS may be forced to scale back or delay services that help thousands of students succeed.
This is not just a bureaucratic hiccup. These are real dollars with real consequences—impacting real classrooms.
The freeze affects several key federal programs:
- Title II-A – Teacher coaching and instructional support
- Title III-A – Services for English language learners
- Title IV-A and B – Academic enrichment and before-/after-school programs
These programs support initiatives like hands-on learning activities, before- and after-school tutoring, targeted reading and math interventions, and the ongoing training of teachers—all of which are proven to help students thrive.
The timing could not be worse. Some year-round schools are already back in session, and traditional schools open in just a few weeks. District leaders are hiring staff, ordering materials, and preparing classrooms now. Losing millions of dollars with one day’s notice puts schools in an impossible position.
This freeze is also part of a deeply concerning trend. In 2025 alone, WCPSS has already lost nearly $34 million in federal support due to three separate cancellations:
- $14.1 million in student mental health grants (May)
- $11.7 million in teacher recruitment and support funding (March)
- Now, $8.1 million in frozen program dollars (July)
The cumulative effect threatens the stability and strength of our public schools at a time when they are already stretched thin.
We can’t afford to simply hope federal leaders will act—we must demand it. And in the meantime, we must step up as a community to support our schools however we can.
At WakeEd, we’re working closely with WCPSS to help fill in gaps and keep vital programs running through community support. From Tools4Schools to Career Accelerator and Partners Read, we are committed to doing what we can—right here, right now—to help ensure our students and teachers don’t fall behind.
This is a moment for action—not just from school leaders and nonprofits, but from the public and elected officials alike.
WakeEd will continue doing our part. But no amount of local effort can replace millions in lost federal support. We urge elected officials to do the right thing: release the funds, protect public education, and invest in our students.
And we call on the public to raise their voices. Let your representatives know that our students deserve better. Donate supplies. Volunteer your time. Support your school and PTA. Stay engaged. Because strong public schools are the foundation of a strong community—but only if we all stand up and support them.
Keith Poston is President of WakeEd Partnership, an independent nonprofit backed by business and community leaders to support the teachers, students, and families of the Wake County Public School System.