Federal grant revocation threatens programs for homeless students, could lead to budget … – WVIA

The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold grant funding to Pennsylvania schools could jeopardize programs for homeless students and cause budget shortfalls for districts and intermediate units.Pennsylvania joined a multi-state lawsuit last week, challenging the decision to revoke more than $184 million in funding to the state. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education had granted an extension to access previously awarded funds. Without warning in March, federal education Secretary Linda McMahon rescinded the extension and said the period for accessing the funds had expired, according to the lawsuit.Many schools and intermediate units in the region had already spent the money and awaited reimbursement. The funding, part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan, includes Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and Homeless Children and Youth allocations. Money is owed to 116 Pennsylvania school districts, charter schools, intermediate units and career and technical centers, according to the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro.The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, located in Milton, provides services for homeless students statewide. The agency planned to use $2.5 million for mental health services, summer camps and an app students and families can use to connect to resources. The app had 14,000 users last month.“These are resources that
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