WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Wichita Public Schools says more than $6 million in federal education funding is now frozen, putting key student programs in limbo just weeks before the new school year.
The district confirmed to 12 News that the stalled funds, previously budgeted for staff salaries and programs like after-school tutoring, instructional coaching, and the English Language Learners program, will be temporarily covered using emergency cash reserves.
“We want to make sure that we communicate with all our students’ families and educators that their pay is protected, we are continuing to provide these services regardless of the federal funding freeze. Without this funding, we’ll have to evaluate and prioritize how we maintain critical services like this in upcoming fiscal years,” said Addi Lowell, Wichita Public Schools CFO…