Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza
San Diego County Office of Education Superintendent
Photo source : SAN DIEGO COUNTY Office OF EDUCATION
San Diego, CA – San Diego Unified School District remains in limbo, still awaiting approximately $13 million in federal K‑12 grant funding originally scheduled for disbursement on July 1. The hold, part of a broader freeze under the Trump administration, is delaying critical investments in educator development, English learner support, enrichment programs, and before- and after-school services.
The funds are earmarked to bolster several initiatives:
• Educator professional development: $3.8 million
• English learner services: $2.6 million
• Academic and enrichment programs: $3.1 million
• Before- and after-school activities: $3.3 million
English learner students—who account for nearly 27 percent of San Diego Unified’s 100,000-plus student population—stand to lose crucial language and academic support. Moreover, low-income, foster, and homeless youth rely heavily on 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding; advocates warn that continued delays could have “swift and devastating” consequences.
This funding delay reflects a nationwide freeze affecting $6 to $7 billion in K‑12 grants that cover summer enrichment, migrant education, and teacher training. Federal agencies, including the Education Department, are undertaking a programmatic review framed by the White House and Office of Management and Budget as ensuring alignment with presidential policies, although it has drawn backlash and lawsuits from California and other states.
San Diego County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Gloria Ciriza decried the freeze as “illegally frozen… unprecedented,” warning of a “devastating impact” on youth services across the region. District officials, as well as state education leaders, are considering legal action to compel the release of these funds.
San Diego Unified’s Deputy Superintendent Nicole DeWitt confirmed that the $13 million pause is under review, with district staff evaluating contingency plans and non‑federal funding sources to prevent program interruptions.
