Education in Limbo: $811 Million Funding Pause Hits California Schools

OXNARD, Calif. - From Santa Maria to Oxnard, Central Coast schools are facing tough decisions after the federal government put more than $800 million in statewide education funding on hold.

The U.S. Department of Education has paused $811 million in grant funding intended to support key programs across California—including teacher training, after-school programs, and student wellness services.

School districts in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc say the programs impacted by the funding freeze aren’t extras — they’re essentials. Many districts had planned to use the funds to expand summer learning and provide mental health support as students head into the new school year.

“The harm of this decision is immediate. The costs are real and the impact is long lasting. By withdrawing those funds, our district leaders will be forced to reduce staff, delay programs and cancel services. That means disrupting the learning for the students who need us the most,”
said Tatia Davenport, CEO of the California Association of School Business Officials, in a statement to the Santa Barbara Independent.

We reached out to the Oxnard Union High School District, but no one was available to comment.

The freeze took effect July 1, as federal officials launched a review to determine whether the education programs align with President Trump's policy priorities. While the Department of Education says the decision isn’t final and the funds could still be released, districts are currently in limbo — with school leaders scrambling to adapt.

Local administrators say they’re doing everything they can to keep programs alive, but with the school year approaching, the uncertainty is already affecting students and families.

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