"Children cannot be collateral damage in political battles," writes NSBA Executive Director and CEO Vejeana McCotter-Jacobs, Esq. "School boards exist to safeguard students' futures, and this is a moment to lead with clarity and conviction. NSBA stands with every district fighting to protect its students. Together, we must insist that federal commitments to education be honored—because students can't wait."
September 15, 2025
Public schools are facing a crisis that should alarm every community in America: Billions of dollars in federal education funding have been withheld or terminated. Districts are left without the resources they were promised—and students without the support they need.
Just this summer, we have witnessed lawsuits on a scale that underscores the seriousness of the moment:
June 30: Sixteen state attorneys general sued the Trump administration for unlawfully terminating more than $1 billion in school-based mental health funding.
July 3: Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia filed suit against the administration, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Office of Management and Budget for withholding roughly $6 billion in federal funding—including Title II-A, Title IV-A, and other critical programs for students and teachers.
These lawsuits highlight what every school board member already knows: When funding is withheld, programs stop. And when programs stop, students suffer.
The billions withheld in early July were ultimately released after a high-pressure campaign from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, as well as grassroots efforts from organizations like NSBA. This funding supports migrant education, English learner programs, teacher professional development, after-school programs, and adult education.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Budgets for the 2025–26 school year were finalized months ago. Districts made staffing and program decisions assuming federal commitments would be honored. When those funds were in limbo, leaders were forced to choose between canceling programs outright or shifting costs onto already overburdened local budgets.
Let’s be clear: the impact is not equal. Districts serving the highest concentrations of students from low-income families,
English learners, students with disabilities, and rural communities will bear the greatest harm. Delays and threats to Title II and Title IV strip resources from the students who most need them.
This is why school boards cannot afford to remain silent.
WHAT SCHOOL BOARDS CAN DO
As school board leaders, we are the stewards of public education in our communities. We must remain vigilant. Federal commitments must be consistent and reliable for districts to plan effectively. That’s why boards should:
- Speak up locally: Inform parents, educators, and community partners about the stakes. Make clear how withheld or delayed funds directly impact students in your district.
- Engage lawmakers: Urge your congressional delegation to protect federal education funding and ensure those commitments are honored without delay.
- Join forces: Work with neighboring districts, state associations, and NSBA to amplify the collective voice of school boards across the nation.
The message we must send is simple: Children cannot be collateral damage in political battles. School boards exist to safeguard students’ futures, and this is a moment to lead with clarity and conviction.
NSBA stands with every district fighting to protect its students. Together, we must insist that federal commitments to education be honored—because students can’t wait.
Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Esq. (ceo@nsba.org) is NSBA’s executive director and CEO and the publisher of American School Board Journal.