Colorado’s K-12 districts face the potential loss of up to $70 million in funding for the 2025-26 academic year after the Trump administration withheld $6.8 billion in education funding nationwide. This funding, expected by school systems on Tuesday, was designated by Congress for students learning English, teacher training, and other educational programs.
The Trump administration informed state education officials on Monday that the funds would not be distributed as anticipated. The U.S. Department of Education stated that the withholding is part of a review to ensure that grants align with President Donald Trump’s priorities.
“I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of the delay and ongoing uncertainty surrounding these critical funds on our students, educators, and schools,” Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova expressed in a letter to district superintendents. The Colorado Department of Education is collaborating with Governor Jared Polis’s office and the state’s congressional delegation to seek updates on the status of these allocations.
Impact on Colorado’s Educational Landscape
During the 2024-25 academic year, Colorado received approximately $70 million through the affected programs, including over $25 million for grants aimed at professional development, staff recruitment and retention, and reducing class sizes. The freeze also impacts programs supporting English learners and children from migrant families, which are critical as Colorado schools have recently absorbed thousands of immigrant students.
Most K-12 districts in Colorado have already finalized their budgets for the upcoming school year. Some districts have begun reducing staffing and employee raises due to financial pressures at both state and federal levels. Denver Public Schools, for example, faces a potential shortfall of $10 million to $15 million, which could necessitate staff and program cuts.
“Somewhere we will have to trim the budget,” stated Denver Public Schools spokesman Scott Pribble. “There’s no indication, yet, whether or not this will be permanent.”
Broader Implications and Reactions
Other districts in the Denver metro area are also bracing for potential losses. Cherry Creek School District could lose about $2.4 million, while Boulder Valley School District stands to lose just under $1 million. Despite these challenges, Douglas County School District has indicated it will not need to make immediate cuts due to prior year carryover funds.
Some advocates are concerned that the grants might be targeted for elimination, which would force schools to cut essential programs and teachers. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal suggests eliminating these programs, indicating they are viewed as unnecessary.
The Afterschool Alliance, a national organization, described the department’s action as a “stunning betrayal.” Executive Director Jodi Grant warned, “Withholding these funds will cause lasting harm to students and families, and to our education system, our future workforce, and our economy.”
Political and Historical Context
The administration had previously signaled its intent to cut funding in an April letter to Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, argued that cutting funds for teaching English would help “end overreach from Washington and restore the rightful role of State oversight in education.”
Amaya Garcia, who oversees education research at New America, a think tank, commented, “They’re trying to send a message. They don’t believe that taxpayer funding should be used for these children.”
The situation reflects a broader debate over federal versus state control in education funding, a recurring theme in U.S. educational policy history. The decision to withhold funds could have significant ramifications for educational equity and access, particularly for vulnerable student populations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. For more updates on this developing story, sign up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
