CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville and Albemarle schools said they have contingencies right now as they tallied federal funds withheld from their systems, but urge contacting Congressional reps over an uncertain future. Albemarle County, in a statement, said the federal government is holding back about $660,000 that go toward Title programs such as Head Start and other Title programs. A Charlottesville City Schools release said they have about $417,000 the feds are holding back. The Charlottesville release continues, “should these cuts become permanent, we will feel the impacts in areas including services for English language learners, professional development for staff, and some staff stipends and contract services”.

Charlottesville Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley writes, “It is my hope that the federal government will restore this much-needed funding. In the meantime, I encourage you to contact your federal elected officials to let them know how Charlottesville will be impacted.”

The Albemarle release states, “While we have contingency plans in place to maintain these services in the near term, we also recognize that many families may have questions about how federal funding decisions are made and how they can share their perspectives.”

“To help you learn more, we have included a Federal Education Funding Fact Sheet below with additional details about these programs, the potential impact, and the steps ACPS is taking in response.”

“If you wish, you can also contact your federal elected officials to express your views or ask questions.”

Both releases include names and contact information from local Congressional representatives.

The Federal Education Funding Fact Sheet Albemarle Schools reference is below:

Federal Education Funding Fact Sheet

What Are Federal Title Programs?

Federal Title programs are funding streams authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. These funds are intended to support academic achievement and equal access to educational opportunities for students.

Which Programs Are Affected?

While Title I, Part A funding is still being approved and allocated, the Virginia Department of Education has informed school divisions that funding for the following Title programs is currently being withheld by the federal government:

  • Title I, Part C – Migrant Education
  • Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction (Professional Development)
  • Title III – Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students
  • Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment
  • Other smaller allocations that typically flow through the state to local school divisions

How Does This Funding Support ACPS Students?

In Albemarle County Public Schools, these funds are used to:

  • Support instruction and services for migrant students and English Learners.
  • Provide professional development for teachers and instructional staff.
  • Support instructional coaching positions.
  • Fund certain interventions and academic enrichment opportunities.

What Is the Financial Impact?

The estimated budget impact for ACPS is approximately $660,000, representing about six full-time equivalent positions.

What Steps Is ACPS Taking?

We have prepared contingency plans to maintain current services and staffing as much as possible, including:

  • Utilizing budgeted contingency staffing.
  • Reallocating vacant positions that would typically be used to meet other needs.
  • Increasing reimbursement requests under Title I, Part A.
  • Reducing central office staffing.

The federal revenue contingency fund will continue to be held due to ongoing uncertainty about future federal funding for other programs.

Where Can I Learn More or Share My Perspectives?

Community members are encouraged to:

  • Learn more about the ACPS budget and budget development process at k12albemarle.org/budget.
  • Contact your federal elected representatives if you wish to share your views about federal funding or ask questions.

Contact Information for Your Federal Representatives:

Questions?

If you have questions about how this funding affects our programs locally, please email budget@k12albemarle.org.