Willmar Public Schools has been informed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) that federal funding through Title II, Title III, and Title IV Part A programs is currently being withheld by the U.S. Department of Education. While the district has not received direct notification from the federal government, the delay in funds is already and will continue impacting several planned programs for the 2025–2026 school year.
The total amount currently on hold is $353,570.39, which includes:
- $142,495.64 in Title II funds
- $123,634.14 in Title III funds
- $87,440.61 in Title IV Part A funds
Title II funds support professional development for teachers and school leaders. In Willmar, these funds were designated to:
- Support instructional coaching to improve teaching practices across classrooms
- Provide training in the Focused Teacher Evaluation Model (FTEM)
- Continue multi-year work in standards-based grading and proficiency scales
- Support implementation of Competency-Based Education at the Area Learning Center, Prairie Lakes Education Center, and Lake Park
- Fund the Digital Learning Coach position to assist staff in integrating educational technology into instruction
- Bilingual paraprofessional support during content area instruction
- EL-specific professional development for staff
- Family engagement activities to support communication and school involvement
- Student Support Specialists, who provide direct assistance to students struggling with mental health, behavior, attendance, or family-related challenges.
- Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat, a powerful experience that helps students build empathy, strengthen peer relationships, and improve school climate.
Because the district's 2025–2026 budget was finalized prior to this funding delay, no immediate staffing reductions are being made. However, the district will place a hold on certain non-staff-related expenses until there is more clarity on the funding timeline. If funds remain unavailable, program adjustments may be considered during the planning process for the 2026–2027 school year.
In fiscal year 2024, 7.51% of the district’s total revenue came from federal sources, including Titles I-IV and Special Education. While the majority of school funding comes from state and local sources, these federal programs support targeted services that are important for student learning and success.
Willmar Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the district remains focused on serving students and ensuring that core instructional services continue without disruption.
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