BISD adjusts after-school program schedule due to federal budget cuts

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Independent School District has announced a revised schedule for its after-school programs due to federal education budget reductions.

On Thursday, BISD released a statement saying the following:
Beginning October 1, 2025, BISD academies will operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at participating elementary campuses.

"While federal funding reductions have required us to make adjustments, our priority remains the same - to serve and support every child," said Dr. Jesus H. Chavez, Superintendent of Schools, in the release.

"We are proud to continue offering after-school programs and will work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition."

On Tuesday, Brownsville ISD released a statement regarding federal reductions following the recent passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill."

The affected federal funding sources include:

• Title I-C: Migrant Education: Support for disadvantaged migrant students ($321,000)
• Title II-A - Supporting Effective Instruction: Professional development for educators, including stipends for core subject areas and teacher/principal preparation ($2,000,000)
• Title III-A - English Language Acquisition: Support for English learners and bilingual education ($1,300,000)
• Title IV-A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment: Including dual enrollment and enrichment opportunities ($3,100,000)
• Title IV-B - 21st Century Community Learning Centers ($1,600,000)
• Adult Basic and Literacy Education: Programs supporting adult learners ($1,300,000)

The district says they are committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring that students and educators continue to receive the support they need.

Immediate district response measures include:

• Position Review and Reassignment: BISD is identifying federally funded positions and working to reassign affected employees to current vacancies within the district when possible. It is the intent of the District to ensure the continued operation of federal student programs to the fullest extent possible.
• Comprehensive Funding Review: A detailed analysis of local and federal funding, including stipends and staffing, is underway to determine where funds may be reallocated or reduced responsibly.
• Long-Term Planning: The district is aligning future staffing with enrollment trends and strategic priorities to remain sustainable amid potential future reductions.