" Critical, critical funding. We're talking about kids that are in the margins already," said Grace Purtell, a parent of a WCPSS student. "I'm in a fairly privileged position, but for friends of mine and marginalized communities, it will impact them way more than it impacts me, but that matters to me."
Purtell was among many parents who received a letter from the school district answering some questions about the federal funding. It's money that the district said is needed to support student learning, their teachers, and the extra help many students need to succeed.
Earlier this month, the Trump Administration halted more than $6 billion in funding for school systems across the country. The Education Department last week announced it would release more than a billion dollars for after-school and summer programming. On Friday afternoon, the Department of Education said the federal government will release billions of dollars in grant money for schools.
"Keep your hands off our public schools and put public money into public services, in particular public schools," said Christina Cole, president of Wake NCAE.
Cole has been an educator for 11 years and said the funding affects all students, but especially those who are underserved.
"That's students learning English, that's ESL services. These are ESL teachers and teachers who provide additional support to family. This could very well include immigrant families and migrant families," said Cole.
Wake County students attending traditional schools head back to the classroom in one month, and parents like Purtell hope the school district receives all the money it needs soon.
"Kids don't just magically get better without the support. It's like you build a building without support and expect it to be around for the long haul," said Purtell.
A spokesperson with WCPSS told ABC11 that the district should know more about whether the funding is restored next week.
The release of the money comes shortly after Attorney General Jeff Jackson and his counterparts in 24 other states sued the federal government to get the money released.
"National reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Education has backed down and is releasing all frozen funds - $6.8billion nationwide, including $165 million for North Carolina - after we filed suit last week. This should end weeks of uncertainty - our schools can now plan, hire, and prepare for a strong year ahead. My absolute best wishes to our state's 1.5 million students who are ready to make this their best year yet," Jackson said.
North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green said he was glad to see the government "honor its commitment" to education.
"I hope this resolution and the release of funds next week marks a return to the predictable, reliable federal partnership that our schools need to serve students effectively," Green said.
"The Department of Education taking steps to properly release billions of congressionally appropriated funding for public schools is good news for communities across the nation. Failing to release these funds would have been devastating for North Carolina's schools and teachers, said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, a Democrat who represents North Carolina's District 4. "I'm glad that the Department is responding accordingly."
In Durham, the school superintendent also reacted to the news of the funding release.
"I am relieved to hear that the U.S. Department of Education will begin releasing billions in previously approved withheld funds to our districts so that we all may continue the important work of educating our scholars," said Dr. Anthony Lewis. "Durham Public Schools opened its doors to thousands of year-round scholars on July 21, and we, along with other school districts nationwide, are preparing to welcome our traditional and innovative school scholars to the 2025-26 school year in August.
"This funding supports essential services for our scholars, teachers, and leaders," Lewis continued. "Its absence would have jeopardized programs serving many of Durham's most vulnerable families. With the newly released funds-including the $1.3 billion allocated last week and the remaining funds now scheduled for release next week-Durham Public Schools can move forward with plans that benefit student success. On behalf of Durham Public Schools, I extend my thanks and appreciation to all who continued to advocate for the release of these funds.