Reaction to Mass. school federal funding funding cuts

Another series of federal cuts is sparking concern in Massachusetts.

Leaders at the local, state and federal level have been sounding off since the Trump administration announced plans to recover $2 billion in pandemic-era education funds intended to improve school facilities and address students' overall health. That includes $106 million in school funding grants to Massachusetts, the Healey administration said Tuesday.

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"It doesn't make any sense! It doesn't make us stronger, it doesn't make us smarter," Gov. Maura Healey said of the cuts.

"What we are seeing is this casual cruelty," said Rep. Katherine Clark, the House Minority whip.

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"This is money the districts will no longer have available to support their efforts going forward. We're deeply alarmed," Massachusetts Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said.

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Springfield is being hit the hardest in the Bay State, losing over $47 million in ESSER funds. That's followed by New Bedford, with over $15 million lost.

Revere is losing $4.5 million, said Clark, who represents the city, adding, "That was going to enable them to rebuild an elementary school. That project will be halted."

In a letter, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said funds were intended to be spent by September 2024 and previously granted extensions were reconsidered. Districts had "ample time" to spend the funds, she said.