What the federal government shutdown means for Washington’s K

School will continue as normal for Washington’s K-12 students amidst the federal government shutdown, at least for now.

Most federal funding for K-12 education is provided in advance, so schools still have access to it during the shutdown, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction confirmed.

Existing grants and contracts that don’t require involvement from federal staff will also continue as normal.

Programs and services that do require involvement from the U.S. Department of Education, like internet connectivity programs, technical assistance, reviews of civil rights complaints and implementing new grants, however, will likely experience interruptions. The department has furloughed about 95% of its staff.

Child nutrition programs, including school lunch, breakfast and snack p