Pinellas County Schools addresses federal funding freeze

Nearly $6.8 billion dollars in federal education grants was frozen by the Trump administration. And $400 million is being withheld from Florida schools.

What You Need To Know

– $9 million in federal grants has been withheld from Pinellas County Schools 
– The school district hosted a community forum on July 24, 2025 to hear from concerned families
– The district said some programs are at risk
– This school year no jobs or salaries are impacted, but that is expected to change for the 2026-2027 school year

On July 24, 2025, the Pinellas County School District answered questions from the community about how it’s dealing with millions of dollars in funding being withheld.

There was a large turnout at the forum, with 200 people in the room and an additional 1000 in the overflow room. Plus, 850 people tuned in online to hear about how the district is dealing with the freeze of millions of dollars.

There was not a seat left in the as Pinellas County School families looked for answers about the funding freeze.

“I’m a mom that fights. So if I can go and protest by card, or if I can protest without a card just by voice, then I’m going to fight either way I have to,” said Brittnie Blunt, parent.

Blunt and her two middle schoolers wore signs to get the attention of the school board.

“So we’re here in protest to try to keep things going, to make sure that all the programs that they are in, will hopefully stay in,” Blunt said.

The school board said programs that enhance the middle school experience, increase professional learning for teacher retention, and provide enrichment in the arts, and more are at risk of changes or cuts.

The district said no one will lose their job, but about 40 people are employed through these grants, so their responsibilities will change for this school year. The district said salaries and positions will be impacted in 2026-2027.

“The reason we’re having this tonight is to advocate for the release of these funds, and to do so immediately so that school districts can move forward with their plans,” said Kevin Hendrick, Superintendent.

The U.S. Department of Education said it’s withholding the funds to make sure they align with President Donald Trump’s priorities. The superintendent said that’s reasonable, but the timing isn’t.

“The day before a fiscal year begins, when we’ve hired 47 people off of these grants into positions, is not a reasonable expectation,” Hendrick said.

Mental health services are also facing challenges. The juvenile welfare board, a taxpayer-funded organization aimed at helping children, is reallocating money so it can fund six therapists for the school district.

“Our mission has always been to, to create value and to ensure that the children of Pinellas County, that their education, their overall well-being is cared for,” said Michael Mikurak, Interim CEO, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

As for the rest of the programs at risk, there is no timeline on when or if the money will be released.

“We may not want it, but a lot of children need it,” Blunt said.

Nearly $1 million dollars in funding for after school programs has been released.

Read the article as originally published at https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/07/25/pinellas-county-schools-federal-funding