North Carolina schools impacted by halted federal funding amidst Dept. of Education lawsuit

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – North Carolina has joined more than 20 other states suing the U.S. Department of Education after Attorney General Jeff Jackson says the state could lose a thousand teachers and $165 million in funding for education.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced the plan Monday to sue the federal government for cutting funds from public education.

“Congress created these programs, it authorized funding for these programs,” Jackson said. “The Department of Education does not have the authority to withhold those funds.”

North Carolina joined 24 other states in the lawsuit, and local districts like Catawba County Schools said they’re in full support. Leaders said they could lose nearly $1 million in federal funding, which could impact anything from tools to support students to hiring three teaching assistants and a teacher.

“These funds are vital to our day-to-day work –supporting students, teachers, and innovative instruction. We’re responding with urgency and purpose, focused on protecting our staff and programs while staying flexible.”
Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover

Catawba County School leaders said they are actively meeting to develop a contingency plan to minimize disruptions to staff and teaching and learning. Meanwhile, La Becky Roe helps families with an Autism diagnosis manage their individualized Education Plans in this uncertain time.

“Continue doing what you do, and if you have to, learn how to do it in your home yourself,” Roe said.

Roe launched her nonprofit, Let’s Talk About It – The Autism Center, to help families like hers. Her son has Autism and was able to receive a high school education and a college degree. Roe said parents should not worry yet. She advised having a plan and preparing in case you lose access to school resources.

“I want families to keep the hope,” Roe said. “I want them to trust that the resources that they need will be available to them one way or another.”

Until a review is complete, no federal funding can be accessed or spent. Right now, there is no timeline for a resolution.

Read more about other North Carolina districts impacted by the funding cuts.