BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – More than $50 million in federal education funds for Alabama that had been frozen for nearly a month were released Friday, according to a U.S. Department of Education statement shared with Alabama Daily News.
“OMB has completed its review of Title I-C, Title II-A, Title III-A and Title IV-A ESEA funds and Title II WIOA funds, and has directed the Department to release all formula funds,” the agency said. “The agency will begin dispersing funds to states next week.”
State and national officials were happy to hear the news.
“I am ecstatic that our stance for reasonable transparency and consistency in government has won the day,” Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey told ADN. “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for maintaining the faith with our students and our schools. This is indeed great news to start the new school year!”
Two Alabama school districts open Thursday, with dozens more starting the following week.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, one of 10 Republican senators who had pressed for the release, said: “I applaud the announcement from OMB Director Vought to release the outstanding education formula funds to states. I have long stated our local communities know how to best serve students and families. This funding will help states and school districts provide students an excellent education.”
The now-released funds support multiple federal grant programs, including those for English learners, migrant students and efforts to reduce class sizes. In Alabama, they pay for 280 teachers, Mackey said.
Another $10 million to support postsecondary adult education was also released.
School district leaders had expected access to the funds on July 1, but a June 30 email from the U.S. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education said the money would remain on hold pending review.
Nationwide, the total funding affected initially topped $7 billion. Alabama’s share was more than $70 million.
Earlier this week, about $21 million in funding for Alabama’s afterschool and summer programs was released.
Federal funds make up about 10% of Alabama’s overall K-12 education budget, with the largest portions supporting special education and students from low-income families. For fiscal year 2025, the state is expected to receive more than $600 million in federal education aid.