News Summary
The Trump administration is withholding over $84 million in federally approved education grants from South Carolina schools, raising concerns for local educational programs. This freeze extends to vital initiatives, affecting funding for migrant education and after-school programs, while local school districts prepare contingency plans amid uncertainties. The decision is tied to claims of promoting a ‘radical leftwing agenda’. Legal experts warn of potential constitutional issues related to this funding freeze, leaving South Carolina’s education landscape facing significant challenges ahead.
Columbia, South Carolina — The Trump administration is withholding over $84 million in previously approved federal education grants from South Carolina schools, creating uncertainty for local education programs. These funds were expected to be distributed on July 1, following approval by Congress earlier this year.
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education informed states of a freeze affecting nearly $7 billion in federal education funding. Education Department officials stated that the freeze is intended to align taxpayer resources with the President’s priorities and the Department’s responsibilities. The withheld $84 million constitutes approximately 13.2% of South Carolina’s total U.S. Department of Education K-12 funding, according to data from the Learning Policy Institute.
The funding freeze is set to impact several important programs, including educational initiatives for migrant children, programs aimed at enhancing academic achievement, and before-and-after school learning services. Local school districts are now engaging in contingency planning as they navigate this significant uncertainty.
In Greenville County, for example, $6.2 million of the withheld funds was slated for teachers, mentoring programs, and support services for students enrolled in dual-credit classes. Meanwhile, the Richland Two School District’s share, approximately $3.5 million, plays a crucial role in providing after-school care for students, particularly those in low-income areas. Charleston County School District has indicated it will review its budget in light of the funding freeze, although it anticipates minimal impact due to existing cash flow strategies.
Concerns have emerged from the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, which claimed that some education grants were being utilized to support a “radical leftwing agenda.” This rhetoric has raised eyebrows, leading legal experts to identify potential constitutional issues tied to the withholding of these funds, particularly regarding the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This law prohibits withholding congressionally approved funds without allowing lawmakers to approve or dismiss the action within a 45-day period.
Despite the freeze, other federal funding streams remain unaffected, including support for students living in poverty and those with disabilities. However, the continued lack of clarity regarding when the funding review will conclude or when the funds might be released adds to the apprehension felt by local education officials and school districts across the state.
Officials from South Carolina’s Department of Education have maintained communication with various school districts to help navigate the implications of this funding freeze on daily operations. Districts like Charleston County, which received around $4.4 million from the affected grants in the 2024-25 school year, and Dorchester County’s schools, which received approximately $1.6 million, are actively monitoring developments to assess potential impacts on education services.
As local school systems, including Berkeley County and Dorchester School District Four, prepare for the implications of these financial uncertainties, the situation remains in flux. With no definitive timeline provided by the Education Department for the review or potential release of the frozen funds, South Carolina’s educational landscape faces a challenging road ahead as it deals with the fallout from this funding decision.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Federal Education Funding in the United States
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: South Carolina education funding
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: South Carolina education funding
- Cardinal Alpine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Funding
- Manning Live
- Google News: Trump education funding
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
