A broad coalition of 31 national education organizations, including the American Federation of School Administrators is calling on the U.S. Department of Education to immediately release more than $2 billion in federal education funding that was approved earlier this year.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the coalition urged the department to distribute the $2.19 billion allocated for Title II, Part A (Title II-A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as legislated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Continuing Resolution signed into law on March 15. The advocates are also asking the department to follow the funding formulas established in the FY 2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act.
“These funds are essential to the operation and strategic planning of school districts across the country,” the letter states. “Delays or changes in allocations could have devastating impacts on students, educators, and communities.”
Title II-A, also known as the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program, is a key federal initiative aimed at improving the quality of educators in classrooms. It supports high-quality professional development for teachers, induction and mentoring programs for new educators, and other local efforts to build strong school leadership pipelines. Some districts also use the funds to reduce class sizes and expand teacher certifications.
Education leaders warn that any disruption in the flow of Title II funding could force painful budget decisions, including staff layoffs and the elimination of essential student services. In many states, laws require districts to provide certain professional development programs—requirements that may become unfunded mandates if the Title II-A funds are not released in a timely and consistent manner.
"Talented, motivated, and highly effective educators and school leaders are essential to student success," the letter continues. "Investing in their growth and support is one of the most important steps we can take to secure the future of our nation.”
The groups are urging the Department to finalize and distribute the FY25 Title II-A funds no later than July 1, consistent with past practice—even under prior administrations. They emphasize that timely allocation is critical for school districts working to finalize their budgets for the 2025–26 academic year.
As school systems nationwide continue to address challenges such as chronic absenteeism, academic recovery, staffing shortages, and growing student mental health needs, education leaders say robust and reliable federal support is more vital than ever.
“Our schools cannot succeed without sustained investment in educators,” the advocates concluded. “It is paramount that districts be able to rely on Title II-A funding as intended by Congress.”
