28-02-2025
AISD: Federal funding paused for program that helps refugees
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Federal funding for staff who helped international refugee students and families settle into Austin ISD schools is on pause.
'On Tuesday, February 11th, Finance/State and Federal Compliance was notified that funds from the Refugee School Impact were frozen, effective at 5 P.M. that same day,' said Austin ISD Chief of Talent Strategy, Brandi Hosack.
Austin ISD has 427 refugee students in the district and this grant, which is now on pause, supports the International Welcome Center and currently funds 8 full time positions.
The International Welcome Center, which is located at Webb Middle School,serves as a liaison for students and families from Pre-K to 12th grade helping to connect students and families to school and community resources.
'Members of senior leadership convened and made the decision to locally sustain the program and the associated staffing for an additional 30 days,' said Hosack.'Our Director of Elementary Multilingual Education met with the staff to inform them of this of these employees are an incredible asset to our district and will be supported by a member of the staffing department within Talent Strategy to secure an alternative position prior to the 30-day mark.'
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