Federal funding delays threaten school programs and services

Lakeland School Corporation is facing a period of sig­nificant financial uncertainty due to delays in the release of key federal education grant funds, a situation that could have a substantial impact on students, staff, and critical programming across the district for the 2025–2026 school year.

According to the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS), multiple federal formula grants traditionally used to support core student services and staffing have not yet been released by the U.S. Department of Education. These include:

. Title I, Part C – Migrant Education State Grants
. Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction
. Title III, Part A – English Language Acquisition
. Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic En­richment . Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers

The absence of these essential funds, expected by July 1, threatens to disrupt everything from instructional plan­ning and professional development to after-school pro­grams and supports for English learners and migrant stu­dents. For Lakeland School Corporation, which serves a diverse student body and relies heavily on these programs to provide equitable opportunities, the delay could have immediate and lasting consequences.

“Without clarity or access to these funds, our ability to make timely staffing decisions, plan effective instruction, and offer vital wrap around services is at risk,” said Dr. Traci Blaize, Superintendent of Lakeland School Corpora­tion. “Programs that help our students succeed, especially those in high-need or underserved populations, are hang­ing in the balance.”

Statewide, Indiana public schools could experience a shortfall approaching $295 million if the funding is not released promptly. Locally, this could lead to scaled-back programming and reduced services, which would directly affect students and families in LaGrange County.

Lakeland School Corporation is joining IAPSS in urg­ing the community and local leaders to contact Indiana’s congressional delegation and advocate for immediate fed­eral action.

“This is not just a budgeting issue—it’s a student suc­cess issue,” said Dr. Traci Blaize. “Every day these funds are delayed puts our schools and children further at risk.