Withholding Appropriated Federal Dollars to Support Students Hurts Michigan Children

State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice Says Funding Must Be Provided to Schools Immediately

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Education is issuing the following statement from State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice on the U.S. Department of Education notifying states this week that they would not be receiving appropriated federal Title funding that support students and schools:

“The U.S. Department of Education is hurting students in Michigan and across the country by withholding federal dollars that were appropriated by Congress and signed by President Trump on March 15, 2025. Based on past practice, local school districts were rightly counting on this approved funding by July 1 for programs to support migrant education, services for English learners, staff professional development, before- and after-school programs, and academic enrichment. These federal dollars support some of our most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable students. The U.S. Department of Education should provide the approved funding immediately. The Michigan Department of Education is working with colleagues across the country and with legal counsel to reflect upon the adverse impact to students, staff, and schools of this withholding.”

The withheld funds in Michigan include:

•         More than $5.4 million in Title I-C funds for migrant education.
•         More than $12.8 million in Title III funds for English learners.
•         More than $63.7 million in Title II funds for staff professional development.
•         More than $36.7 million Title IV-B funds for before- and after-school programs.
•         More than $38.3 million in Title IV-A funds for academic enrichment.

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