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Children raise their hands while participating in activities during the East Providence Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp at Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Providence R.I. (AP Photo/Sophie Park)
Children raise their hands while participating in activities during the East Providence Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp at Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Providence R.I. (AP Photo/Sophie Park)
Colorado joins lawsuit over frozen school funding
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 15, 2025//
DENVER — Colorado has joined a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, demanding the release of congressionally approved funds that state officials say are critical to supporting schools, students and educators.
In Brief:
- Colorado sues U.S. Education Department over frozen funds
- Gov. Polis calls funding freeze illegal and harmful
- Funds support afterschool programs and ESL services
- State education leaders warn of school budget impacts
State leaders argue that the federal agency’s failure to distribute the funding is illegal and disrupts local school budgets that have already been finalized. The funding supports a range of educational services, including programs for English language learners, migratory students, afterschool care and educator development.
“It is absolutely absurd that the United States Department of Education is attempting to freeze education funding obligated by Congress,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “This is devastating for educators, students and families across Colorado who rely on these critical services.”
Polis blamed the Trump administration for what he described as politically motivated decisions that harm school communities and create financial uncertainty. He said Colorado would continue to fight to ensure students and educators receive the resources they need.
Last week, Polis met with education leaders across the state to discuss the potential impact of the funding delay. Attendees included Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland, Lake County Superintendent Kate Bartlett, Colorado Department of Education CFO Wayne Peel, and Denver Public Schools Chief of Academics Simone Wright.
Also present were Melissa Gibson, director of the Colorado Association of School Executives, and the executive director of the Colorado Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Participants emphasized that withholding the funds would jeopardize afterschool programs and other student support services.
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