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Dear Florida,
Yesterday, Florida PTA joined a broad coalition of education professionals, community leaders, and advocates in suing the U.S. Department of Education for the full release of approximately $396 million in federal funds that were already approved by Congress and earmarked to support student academic success in Florida.
While we are heartened by the recent announcement that the U.S. Department of Education will begin releasing 21st Century Community Learning Center funds for after-school programs, that is only a fraction of what is needed to stabilize Florida’s education system and protect students from the broader consequences of this funding freeze.
For Florida, this freeze represents a significant loss. Large school districts such as Miami-Dade County Public Schools stand to lose over $35 million, Palm Beach County Public Schools $17.9 million, and Orange County Public Schools is facing a nearly $30 million shortfall. Smaller districts are also severely impacted, with Leon County projected to lose $12.5 million, Hernando County Public Schools is projected to lose $1.7 million, and Pinellas County Public Schools nearly $9 million.
The lawsuit was filed yesterday evening, in federal court in Rhode Island by Democracy Forward, Jacobson Lawyers Group, and Deluca, Weizenbaum, Barry, and Revins. It seeks a preliminary injunction for immediate relief and the release of these critical funds.
These withheld funds are not a technicality. They are essential to maintaining student support services, classroom staffing, enrichment programs, and physical and mental health resources. Without access to these dollars, your school districts are being forced to make last-minute decisions that directly affect students, particularly in communities with the greatest needs. Florida has noted making measurable academic progress, including a nearly 10 percent increase in schools earning an “A” or “B” and a 40 percent decrease in those rated “D” or “F.” The sudden disruption of funding undercuts that momentum and places entire school communities at risk.
What we know for certain is that we are a membership association that exists to advocate for all children, and that commitment must guide every decision we make. This legal action reinforces our mission to make every child’s potential a reality by advocating for the tools, resources, and support every student deserves whether at the local, state or national level.
This decision was not made lightly. After extensive discussion of alternative options and in the absence of a special legislative session that would allow Florida’s legislature to address the issue, or a change in state statute permitting school districts to tap into required reserve levels to temporarily replace the withheld funds this legal action became necessary. School districts are already facing significant shortfalls due to a rapidly changing educational landscape, including the expansion of voucher programs, which further limits their flexibility to absorb this loss.
As advocates, we believe a multi-prong approach is required, we are encouraging all Florida PTA members to participate in our take action below to urge members of Florida Congressional Delegation to ensure the U.S. Department of Education releases these funds.
Use the link below to participate.
https://www.votervoice.net/FLPTA/Campaigns/129076/Respond
We will be holding a Virtual Member Informational Briefing on this federal lawsuit on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
Meeting Details are below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VYajoHojRU6ZiCZkRKmTIQ
For the children,
Maxine Ann-Marie Lewers
President
Florida PTA
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