PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - Peoria County schools face growing uncertainty as the federal government shutdown persists.

While no immediate impact has been felt, continued delays threaten vital programs.

Special education, after-school initiatives, and school nutrition programs could all see funding cuts.

The regional superintendent for Peoria County schools, Dr. George McKenna, highlighted the long-term uncertainty as the primary concern, noting that districts have not yet reduced programs.

He added that federal service delays, including FAFSA and Pell grants, may impact college-bound students.

“When the funding is reduced in any sort of way, now we start to try and figure out how do we help that kid continue to be their absolute best version of themselves. And it becomes more and more

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