Pasadena Unified Faces Surprise $1.2 Million Federal Funding Freeze

Just four days after the Pasadena Unified School District finalized its budget, it suddenly faces a $1,202,482 revenue shortfall after the U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly halted $6.8 billion in federal K-12 education grants nationwide for Fiscal Year 2025.

The funding freeze affects programs for teacher training, English learners and immigrant students across the district’s schools. California stands to lose more than $800 million of the frozen funds designated for fiscal year 2025.

“This is not just a budget issue, this is about our children, our employees, and our commitment to equity,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement on Tuesday. “We call on the federal government to honor its promise.”

In Pasadena, the halted grants for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 include $604,612 for teacher development under Title II Part A, $211,452 for English learner programs under Title III, $47,782 for immigrant student services under Title III Immigrant, and $338,635 for student support programs under Title IV Part A. Title I-C is not applicable to Pasadena Unified School District.

Title I Part A funding and special education dollars under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) remain unaffected by the freeze, the District said.

Board President Jennifer Hall Lee condemned the federal action.

“Public education is a promise we make to every child, and that promise must be kept,” Lee said. “We stand united with educators and families across the nation in demanding that the funding approved by Congress be delivered without delay.”

The timing creates additional challenges as the district prepares staffing and programs for the upcoming school year.

District officials said they are working with state education leaders, the California Department of Education, and the governor’s office to assess the full impact of this funding delay and pursue “every available legislative, legal, and advocacy remedy.”

Blanco expressed solidarity with California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond in demanding the release of funds.

“The federal government made a commitment, and we have programs in place, students depending on them, and educators ready to deliver. We need these dollars,” Blanco said. “We will not stand by while critical resources are withheld from our classrooms. Pasadena Unified School District will pursue every possible avenue to ensure our students receive the support they deserve and were promised.”

In a statement, the district said it remains unwavering in its commitment to protect essential programs, defend the integrity of public education, and ensure that no student is left behind because of political decisions made far from our classrooms.