In a move that’s caught many school leaders off guard, the U.S. Department of Education has paused the release of more than $6.8 billion in K–12 federal funding, including $2.2 billion from Title II-A—a critical source of support for professional development, educator recruitment, and leadership training. This decision, made in July 2025 as part of a larger federal review, puts a serious strain on schools that rely on Title II-A funds to grow and retain effective educators.
For superintendents, principals, and diocesan leaders planning the upcoming school year, the freeze raises important questions—and forces quick action.
What’s Happening—and What It Means for Your School
- The Freeze Is Immediate
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) placed a hold on multiple federal education programs on July 1, 2025, including Title II-A and portions of Title I and IV. This hold affects reimbursements and new awards for the 2025–26 academic year. - Thousands of Districts Are Affected
According to recent reports, the freeze impacts nearly every school district in the U.S., many of which had already planned or committed their budgets based on expected allocations (EdWeek). - Private and Non-Public Schools Are in Limbo
Catholic and independent schools that benefit from equitable services through local districts may find themselves excludedunless action is taken quickly.
Why This Matters: Professional Development Isn’t Optional
The pause doesn’t change what’s at stake—student outcomes still hinge on effective instruction. And effective instruction depends on well-supported educators.
High-quality PD remains one of the most powerful levers school leaders have. A meta-analysis by the Learning Policy Institute found that sustained, content-rich professional learning can improve student performance by up to 21 percentile points. One-off workshops won’t cut it—schools need programs that are ongoing, collaborative, and tied to student achievement goals.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Run Contingency Scenarios
Create budget plans that account for the freeze. What PD can you still sustain without Title II-A funds? Where can you repurpose resources? - Communicate with Stakeholders
Keep your staff and community informed about the potential impact on PD and support services. Uncertainty is easier to navigate when everyone understands the landscape. - Explore Alternative Funding Sources
Some states have expanded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) or local innovation grants that may help cover professional development gaps. Diocese or philanthropic funding may also be available. - Evaluate Your PD Priorities
If funding is limited, what PD efforts are most critical for student success? Focus on those that are research-backed, job-embedded, and aligned with your instructional priorities. - Partner Strategically
Now more than ever, lean on professional development partners who understand funding landscapes, flexible programming, and mission-driven delivery.
How Tools for Success Can Support Your Next Steps
At Tools for Success, we understand how challenging it is to lead through shifting funding realities—because we’ve walked alongside schools through it before. Whether you need help revising a PD plan, navigating potential funding sources, or identifying partners that align with your mission, we’re here to help.
We can support you by:
- Adapting PD plans to work within tighter or shifting budgets
- Helping source alternate funding options through trusted partners in our network
- Delivering high-impact professional development focused on instructional excellence that positively impacts student outcomes.
Need Help Navigating the Title II-A Freeze? Let’s Talk.
If you’re unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. Drop us a note or schedule a call—we’re happy to listen, offer guidance, and connect you with resources or partners who may be able to support your school’s needs during this transition.
Schedule a Call or info@toolsforsuccessindy.com to start the conversation.