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The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced the release of more than $5 billion in federal education funding nationwide, including over $45 million previously frozen for Kansas.
These funds, originally approved by Congress earlier this year, are tied to critical grant programs supporting teacher development, English learner services, academic enrichment, and more.
Kansas Set to Regain Millions in Title Program Funding
According to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the state is scheduled to receive its share of the reinstated funding before the 2025-2026 academic year begins. The Title funds had been temporarily halted earlier in 2025 but will now resume, supporting essential educational initiatives.
Here’s a breakdown of the Title programs and what they fund:
- Title I, Part C – Migrant Education: Supports students from families who move seasonally due to work in industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and food processing, ensuring continuity in their education.
- Title II, Part A – Teacher and School Leader Support: Known as Supporting Effective State Instruction (SESI) grants, these funds help educators and administrators access professional development in updated curriculum strategies, teaching practices, and classroom technology.
- Title III, Part A – English Learners: Funds services aimed at supporting non-native English speakers, one of the fastest-growing student demographics in Kansas. Schools are legally required to ensure equal educational access for these students.
- Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment: Provides funding to help schools:
- Offer a well-rounded education.
- Create safer and healthier learning environments.
- Expand the use of technology to improve academic outcomes and digital literacy.
- Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers: These funds support before- and after-school programs, including those run by organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. Their absence could have forced widespread reductions or shutdowns of extended learning programs.
Funding Impact and Next Steps for Kansas Schools
In the 2024–2025 school year, Kansas received approximately $42.9 million through these federal Title programs. While the KSDE has confirmed the reactivation of these funds, final funding amounts for 2025–2026 are still pending and expected to be announced within the next week.
The reinstatement of these vital federal education funds delivers a much-needed financial boost for Kansas school districts, especially those serving migrant families, English learners, and students who benefit from after-school support.
With funding finally back on track, the state is better positioned to enhance educational quality, teacher support, and student services in the upcoming academic year.