'Why make the kids suffer?' Pinellas Co. schools hosts forum on $9M funding freeze
Share this @internewscast.com

LARGO, Fla. (WLFA) — The Pinellas County School Board is addressing the effects that the suspension of federal funds will have on the district. Over a thousand individuals attended the public forum organized by the school board to provide updates to the community.

Leaders spoke to a room of parents and concerned community members and told them they are on the same page when it comes to frozen federal dollars.

“Our school board fully agreed on the necessity of hosting this forum tonight,” stated Laura Hine, the School Board Chair. “We are also united in our support for releasing these frozen funds.”

Key programs aimed at enhancing middle school experiences, boosting professional development for teacher retention, and arts enrichment are at risk of being affected. Parents expressed their disappointment over the situation but attended the meeting seeking further information.

“I’m angry because that would be taken away, why make the kids suffer and struggle?” said Brittnie Blunt, a mother of two.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said they’ve reallocated $4 million to help with the loss but said the $9 million frozen by the federal government still hangs over their heads.

“You can read, I can read, we can all surmise that perhaps these funds might be repurposed to some other reason. We don’t know,” said Hendrick.

The U.S. Department of Education said it is ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president’s priorities. Board members said they wrote letters to elected leaders on the state and federal levels.

Two letters from State Representatives Kathy Castor and Anna Paulina Luna show the release of the funds is seeing bipartisan support. The board said no employees will lose their jobs, but positions will change, and salaries will be impacted.

“I’m not going to cry, this is heartbreaking,” said a board member.

Parents said it feels like students, their kids, are being knocked down.

“The innocent children shouldn’t be having all their programs that they benefit from be taken away. And it seems like almost their education is going to be taken away,” said Blunt.

The board is encouraging community members to contribute creative ways to fill the gaps left by the funding freeze. They ask people to sign up to volunteer at schools, and mentor students. If any community members know of businesses willing to donate toward the Pinellas Education Fund, the board said the money will support the programs they’ll lose funding for.

For more information, click here.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Huge Blaze Breaks Out at Chevron Refinery Near Los Angeles

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (NEXSTAR) A fire erupted at the Chevron oil refinery…

“12-Year-Old Boy Arrested While Cycling, Leaves Him ‘Terrified and Traumatized'”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) – A North Carolina mother says her 12-year-old son…

Sisters Reunite 36 Years After Mother’s Tragic Murder Near Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS () – In 1989, two sisters who were left alone…

International Paper’s Closure Puts Pressure on Georgia’s Timber Industry

The shutdown of International Paper’s facilities in Savannah and Riceboro has had…

Major Fire Breaks Out at Chevron Refinery in California

IE 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please access…

Trump slashes billions from green energy budgets in states won by Harris

The Trump administration is cutting billions of dollars for green energy projects,…

Putin Commends Trump but Cautions Against Impact of US Long-Range Missile Supplies to Ukraine on Relations

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned the United States that delivering…

Luxembourg’s Grand Duke to Step Down After 25 Years, Passing Throne to His Son

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will step down from the throne after…

Weather Update from Storm Team 3: Mild Friday Followed by a Warmer, Rainy Weekend

In Savannah, Georgia, Thursday afternoon brought mild and breezy conditions, which are…

Florida Officer Convicted in 2024 for Girlfriend’s Fatal Shooting

OCALA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida deputy was found guilty on Thursday…

Theo Von Claims He Was Offered Security Due to DHS Footage

Comedian Theo Von revealed that a “high government official” extended an offer…

AP Decision Insights: Anticipations for Tennessee’s Special Congressional Election

WASHINGTON – Over twelve candidates are vying for their parties’ nominations on…