Worcester schools warn $1.6 million in federal ESSA grants may be delayed, threatening after-school and summer programs

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. — Worcester County Public Schools officials told the Board of Education on July 14 that a federal review of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) program awards could withhold roughly $1.6 million in planned federal grant funding for FY2026, putting after-school and summer programs at risk. The superintendent’s executive team gave the board a spreadsheet showing an estimated potential shortfall of $1,615,610 if Title II, Title III, Title IV and other ESSA funds are not released; Title IV-B after-school and summer grants account for the largest portion — three grants of $400,000 each, or $1.2 million. The district also received a preliminary Title I award about $400,000 below FY2025, increasing the possible restricted-budget impact to more than $2 million. Why it matters: The affected funds support services targeted to students in need across Worcester County’s Title I schools — named during the meeting as Pocomoke Elementary, Snow Hill Elementary and Buckingham Elementary — and finance after-school and summer enrichment that district staff said has been critical to student progress. What officials said: Vince Tolbert, physical operations staff, presented the federal funding update and cited an email from the U.S. Department of Education dated June 30 indicating a review of funding for certain ESSA programs. Tolbert told the board, “We have no idea when it's going to be released,” and said the superintendent and executive team were already considering steps to absorb cuts if the funding is not delivered. Board discussion: Board member John Andes noted the nationwide scope of the action, saying the June 30 email arrived only hours before money was to be dispersed to states. Andes emphasized the programs’ role in supporting students at the district’s Title I schools and recalled a board letter sent in April urging congressional action. The board did not take formal action but requested continued updates from staff. Next steps: District staff said they will continue monitoring the federal review, prepare contingency plans, and keep the board apprised as new information arrives. No contractual reductions or program cancellations were ordered at the meeting.