Pinellas County scrambles after $9M in federal education grants frozen

Impact of federal funding cuts on schools

Pinellas County Schools are facing a sudden $9 million shortfall after a federal freeze on grant money meant for K-12 programs like after-school care, teacher training and mental health support.�Evyn Moon reports.

LARGO, Fla. - Pinellas County Schools are facing a sudden $9 million shortfall after a federal freeze on grant money meant for K-12 programs like after-school care, teacher training and mental health support. 

What we know:

The U.S. Department of Education has paused nearly $7 billion in federal grants nationwide, including $400 million earmarked for Florida schools.

At a community forum Thursday night, Pinellas officials laid out their plan to reallocate state and local funds to avoid disruption — but acknowledged the uncertainty is creating real concerns.

What we don't know:

There’s no clear timeline for when — or if — the federal funds will be released. The Department of Education has not said what triggered the hold or how long it may last.

Why you should care:

Board Chair Laura Hine told FOX 13 News the freeze came without warning on June 30, one day before Florida’s fiscal year began and just six weeks before students return to class.

The Trump administration said the funds were under an ongoing review to root out spending related to a "radical left-wing agenda."

READ: Trump admin withholds $6 billion for after-school, summer programs

What's at stake:

Hine emphasized that teacher development is central to the district’s academic gains. Ninety percent of Pinellas County schools are now rated A or B, a rise from 80% the previous year. She credited professional development as a key driver of that success.

"The reason it's disruptive to us is the fact that (U.S. Department of Education) made this decision now, less than a month before school starts," Hine told FOX 13 News. "By all means, our school board believes in ensuring that your tax dollars are being spent in legal compliance and with fiduciary transparency. So yes, review the expenditure of these dollars, but to freeze it right before the start of the school year is disruptive."

The district does not expect to lay off staff, though the freeze affects about 47 positions. Hine says those employees will be reassigned, but programs may be reduced if the funds don’t come through.

Pictured: Pinellas County Schools.

What they're saying:

"We don’t have a month or two to figure this out. We have to act now," said Pinellas Superintendent Kevin Hendrick.

"Educators just do not understand how we are not a priority," said Lee Bryant, the president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association. "Contact your legislatures and let them know this is unacceptable,"

"I imagine their education will be interrupted big time," said parent Brittnie Blunt, worried about how the freeze could affect her children’s school programs.

What's next:

Pinellas officials say they’ll continue to push for the release of the funds — and they’re not alone. Both Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor and Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna have sent letters to the Trump administration, calling for action.

In the meantime, individual districts must decide how to rebalance their budgets. More community meetings may follow as the situation evolves.