Nevada confronts Washington over $61 million in frozen school funds approaching the new academic year
Nevada's education system is grappling with a significant challenge as over $61 million in federal grants intended for various school programs remain on hold. The funding freeze, initiated by the U.S. Department of Education following a change in federal administration, has left critical services for English learners, low-income students, homeless students, and migrant education at risk.
The freeze affects funds for programs such as after-school programming, English language learner services, professional development, and migrant education. Approximately $53 million for five K-12 programs in Nevada, representing about 15% of the state's total education budget, and around $8 million more for adult education programs are currently frozen.
The delay in the release of these funds was communicated to the Nevada Department of Education in late June 2025, just before the July 1 typical release date. The U.S. Department of Education stated that decisions regarding FY 2025 funding have not been made yet and will not be issuing Grant Award Notifications on July 1.
The funding freeze has introduced "budgetary chaos" into local school systems, forcing them to scramble to cover gaps caused by the sudden withholding of funds planned for the upcoming school year. State education leaders and districts had to adjust budgets last minute, with some considering or implementing cuts such as leaving staffing positions vacant, scaling back after-school and support programs, or seeking alternative funding sources to avoid service disruptions.
The freeze jeopardizes ongoing efforts and programs aimed at improving school conditions, enhancing classroom instruction, expanding technology use, and supporting community learning centers. Nevada's Attorney General, Aaron Ford, characterized the freeze as "unconstitutional" and a direct attack on Nevada's students and families, underscoring how critical the federal funds are to the state's education system. His office is actively pursuing legal action to restore these funds and prevent further disruption.
Nevada is part of a bipartisan coalition suing the Trump administration over the federal education funding freeze. Nevada U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, both Democrats, are among 13 senators urging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to release the funds. They argue that limiting access to federal education funds risks deepening disparities and undermining progress across the education system.
The impact on Nevada's state budget and education programs has been substantial, with the freeze potentially leading to cuts in other areas of the recently enacted biennial budget that rely on federal funding, particularly with respect to health care. Governor Joe Lombardo's office stated that they remain in constant communication with the administration as federal officials continue to review programs and their funding.
As of Tuesday, the Nevada Department of Education had not received any follow-up from the U.S. Department of Education. The state is engaged in legal battles to restore this funding while grappling with immediate challenges to maintain educational services in the 2025-2026 academic year.
- The freeze in federal funding for education programs in Nevada, amounting to over $53 million for K-12 programs and around $8 million for adult education, is causing significant financial strains in local school systems, necessitating adjustments, cuts, and searches for alternative funding sources.
- The ongoing legal battles led by Nevada's Attorney General are aimed at restoring the frozen funds, with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen urging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to release the funds, arguing that limiting access to federal education funds risks deepening disparities and undermining progress across the education system.
