𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣 𝗔𝗗𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗭𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗦𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧

Superintendent Chavez, Rep. Gonzalez

The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) is facing a deepening financial crisis after the Trump administration abruptly froze $7 billion in federal education grants, including $8.3 million intended for BISD. This unexpected move comes on top of an already painful $17 million budget shortfall, forcing BISD Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez to find ways to cover what is now a $25 million funding gap. “In other words, we’re short $17 million already, and now we’re losing $8 million more,” Chavez remarked, clearly frustrated by the growing financial strain.

The freeze affects nearly every corner of BISD’s student support system, with funds for programs such as migrant education, teacher development, support for English learners, dual enrollment, after-school initiatives, and adult education all now suspended or uncertain. These cuts don’t just impact BISD. Across Cameron County and the broader 34th Congressional District, the loss totals $51.3 million. Statewide, Texas faces a staggering $660 million funding freeze.

The decision follows the administration’s controversial push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move recently greenlit by the Supreme Court when they lifted a lower court's injunctions blocking mass layoffs and transfer of key functions.

In response to the education freeze, 24 states and the District of Columbia have filed suit, arguing that withholding funds already approved by Congress is not only harmful policy but also unconstitutional. Meanwhile, BISD is scrambling to keep programs running by shifting funds and reassessing budgets, though Chavez admits the long-term sustainability of such measures is uncertain.

Representative Vicente Gonzalez of Brownsville has joined fellow House Democrats in demanding the immediate release of the frozen funds. 

For now, educators, students, and families in Brownsville are left to wait, once again, for leadership from Washington, and wondering how much more their schools can endure.