CUSD Joins Leaders in Spotlighting Risks of Federal Education Cuts

Funding Reductions Could Impact Students, Staff, and Critical Programs

Fifth Grader Gael B. (pictured above), and district and county officials joined U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark at Rosemary Elementary this week for a news conference to raise awareness about the potential impact of proposed federal education budget cuts. They emphasized the local impact of losing federal support—especially for schools like Rosemary, where 81% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged and 34% of funding comes from federal sources.

Rep. Liccardo noted the many different funds being considered. “These aren’t just big budget numbers in Washington,” he said. “These cuts would affect our own schools and communities.”

Superintendent Shelly Viramontez, teacher Alyssa Sigala, and fifth grader Gael B. shared how the federal funds support English Language Development (ELD), special education, and services for foster and homeless youth in Campbell Union School District. 

Gael, described how ELD boosted his confidence, helped him make friends and gave him a love for reading: “Now, I read every night, and I even read my Bible! I feel proud every time I finish a book.”

Sigala noted that federal funding enables schools to provide reading specialists, instructional aides, and small-group instruction that free the classroom teacher to provide more individualized attention and enrich lessons to meet diverse learning needs. “Teachers are the core of instruction, but these additional staff make a huge difference for our students,” she said.

District-wide, federal grants fund approximately 115 staff positions and help support the Universal Meals Program. Without continued federal or state backfill, CUSD would need to use reserves to sustain services. As a community-funded (basic aid) district, Campbell Union may be required to absorb the cost of federally mandated programs if state support falls short—putting other student services at risk. To plan for potential reductions, CUSD has included federally funded programs in its proposed 2025–26 budget and is preparing to use reserves as a short-term solution.

“We never lose sight of the fact that children are at the heart of these numbers,” said Viramontez. “That’s who we’re working for.”

For more information, please see the Second Interim Budget Report.