Latest news with #Craner
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Now Idaho school districts blindsided as US withholds over $33 million in federal aid
Now Idaho school districts blindsided as US withholds over $33 million in federal aid Idaho school districts have been unexpectedly hit by a freeze on more than $33 million in federal funding, leaving local education authorities scrambling to adjust budgets and staffing plans just weeks before the new academic year begins. The payments, which had been previously approved by the US federal government, were due for release on July 1 but were suddenly withheld, causing significant disruption. This latest freeze adds to a pattern of uncertainty in US education funding, compounding challenges for districts already managing tight budgets. The financial shortfall is forcing districts to reconsider support services, staff roles, and crucial educational programmes that affect vulnerable student populations. Federal funding freeze triggers major budget shortfalls On July 1, school districts across Idaho anticipated receiving federally allocated funds to finalise their financial and staffing decisions for the upcoming school year. However, the US government's unexpected withholding of these funds took many by surprise. As reported by KMVT, Twin Falls School District spokesperson Eva Craner likened the situation to receiving only part of a paycheck with a day's notice: 'It's kind of like getting a day notice a day before your payday that you're only going to receive a portion of your paycheck. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo ' Twin Falls alone faces a $1.5 million shortfall, which could lead to cuts in educational programmes. Craner explained that the district will not provide migrant support or English language support to the extent originally planned. Although staff members involved in these programmes will not be laid off, they will be reassigned to other roles within the district, potentially affecting their pay. Similarly, Blaine County School District is confronting a $170,000 gap. Christy Castro, the district's special programmes director, indicated that new teacher mentor stipends and professional development for maths could be cut to address the deficit. 'Lacking that training could potentially impact the improvement of our maths scores and delivery of instruction,' Castro told KMVT. Implications for Idaho's education landscape The withheld funds, estimated at $33.3 million by the Idaho Department of Education, are critical to maintaining programmes that support migrant students, English learners, and professional development initiatives. These funding interruptions complicate already tight local budgets and jeopardise key educational goals. Idaho State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield released a statement, as quoted by KMVT, expressing hope for a quick resolution: 'We're hopeful we will know the timeline for distribution sooner rather than later, as decisions are being made now in local districts for the coming school year. We will continue to communicate with our local schools as we receive additional information from Washington, DC.' The freeze arrives amid broader national concerns over education funding stability. Districts must now revise plans rapidly to cope with sudden financial uncertainty, with potential impacts on staff remuneration and student services. As the new school year approaches, Idaho districts remain in a state of flux, awaiting clarity from the US federal government on when the withheld funds will be released. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Syracuse woman recounts large brush fire that erupted outside her home
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The smell of smoke is still lingering over Syracuse's West Side, following Wednesday night's, March 19, brush fire. Two months later, Sheriff's Office determines knife used to stab deputy was brought into jail by inmate Recall: Green beans sold at Target may be contaminated Syracuse woman recounts large brush fire that erupted outside her home Wisconsin back in March Madness win column, 85-66 over Montana Trump moves against Department of Education: What to know 'It was a very labor-intensive operation. We had thousands of feet of hoses on the ground,' said Deputy Chief Matt Craner with the Syracuse Fire Department. Syracuse firefighters responded to the scene around 7 p.m. following multiple calls in the basin area of Velasko Road. Kimberly Greco, who did not want to show her face on camera, says she was eating dinner when the fire erupted outside her home. 'I just happen to look out the window and saw all the smoke over here, and I grabbed my phone and I ran outside,' said Greco. Greco quickly called 911. 'As soon as the fire department got here, I wasn't as worried about it. It was far enough away in the center of the basin that I knew we had time before it was like a real issue,' Greco said. Greco has lived on DePalma Avenue for about five years and says this is the second time a brush fire has erupted near her home. 'It could have been a lot worse if they hadn't been here as quickly,' said Greco. Craner agrees. 'It could have impacted houses. We had at one point flying brands, which are like embers. They get carried by the wind away from the scene that are still burning. We had embers in the trees up on the hill there,' said Craner. Craner says high winds made the job much more difficult for crews. But after about two and a half hours, they were able to fully put out the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
