HRCSD faces potential $1.5 million loss in federal funding, programs for vulnerable students at risk

"This delay in funding is highly unusual, and school districts across the nation are closely monitoring the situation as this funding could be reduced or adjusted for the 2025-26 school year," said HRCSD Superintendent Bill Newton. "For a district our size, a potential loss of $1.5 million is substantial, especially since our budget and staffing plans for the upcoming school year have already been developed. This situation would require us to re-evaluate and potentially make adjustments to the services and programs currently supported by this funding."

The potential cuts could significantly affect programs crucial to student success:

• Title I-C (Migrant Education): This funding, which supported 435 migrant students and families (11% of district enrollment) last year, faces a potential loss of approximately $840,471. This would severely impact migrant education summer school, family engagement, preschool, and regular school programming.

• Title II-A (Teacher and Leader Quality): These funds are vital for enhancing the quality of teachers and leaders, focusing on preparing, training, and recruiting high-quality educators, particularly for students from historically underserved backgrounds. Last year, these funds helped cover instructional coaches' costs.

• Title III-A (English Learners): This program ensures English learners, including immigrant children and youth, attain English proficiency and high levels of academic achievement. Last year, Title III funds supported the district's instructional coach, English Language Development (ELD) professional development days, and ELD family nights.

• Title IV-A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment): These funds provide students with access to a well-rounded education and improve the use of technology. This past year, Title IV-A helped pay for the STEM bus teacher.

• Title IV-B (21st Century Community Learning Center — EXCEL after-school program): This five-year grant currently funds the EXCEL after-school program at Parkdale Elementary, Mid Valley Elementary, Cascade Locks Elementary, and Wy’east Middle School, serving approximately 300 students last year. The 2025-26 school year is the third year of this grant. If this grant is cut, the district stands to lose more than $1.1 million over the next three years, which would have a detrimental impact on students and families from low-income backgrounds who rely on these after-school activities and care.

Newton said, "It is important to acknowledge that this potential reduction in funding would have a disproportionately negative impact on our most vulnerable students. These students rely most on the programs and supports that could be affected."

The school district's commitment remains steadfast. 

"As we shared during the budget development process in the spring, our plans are always based on current projections for state and federal funding, enrollment trends, and available resources,” said Newton. “We are committed to continuing to pay attention to these updates and making any necessary adjustments to our budget and staffing. Our primary goal is always to do what is best for our students, using the resources available to us. We recognize that these potential changes will affect people, including our students, educators, and families. These decisions are not made lightly. Every step has been, and will continue to be, made with compassion, care, and a steadfast focus on our students' well-being. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our staff and the support of our community during these challenging times."

The school district's executive leadership team is actively discussing next steps should these cuts occur, and updates will be provided as more clarity emerges from the state and federal governments.