The full impacts of a funding freeze on federal educational programs related to migrant students, English learners and teacher training remain uncertain, but several Flathead Valley districts are preparing for a short-term hit to their finances should the money stay on pause. School officials also expressed uncertainty about whether the freeze will remain in place pending legal action.

The amount on pause federally hovers at an estimated $5 billion. That figure was previously higher, but dropped following the Trump administration’s release of $1.3 billion in funds for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide academic programs and literacy help outside of school hours. Those funds were unfrozen last week.

According to a July 15 email from Montana’s Office of Public Instructi

See Full Page