The funds must be used by the end of September, creating a sharp funding cliff as schools also struggle with widespread enrollment declines and inflation. Many districts have warned of layoffs as the current school year comes to a close and next year’s budgets are planned. Not only is the federal funding ending, but enrollment at the district’s schools has fallen by nearly 500 students – or roughly 5% – since 2019. Pandemic aid comes to an endAfter the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Congress authorized three rounds of federal funding to help K-12 schools respond. But that’s partly because some districts, flush with pandemic funding, have been adding positions while enrollment in public schools has been declining nationally.

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Persons: Joe Biden, Micah Hill, Hill, Leslie Torres, Rodriguez, ”, Dan Goldhaber, –, Chad Aldeman, Heather Peske, Peske, it’s, ” Peske Organizations: Washington CNN — Schools, Public Schools, CNN, Hartford Public Schools, Secondary School Emergency, “, National Council Locations: Missoula , Montana, Missoula, Arlington , Texas, Hartford , Connecticut, Hartford, –, CALDER, Washington