Wake County students shouldn’t be the ones who pay for bureaucratic breakdowns.

This week, the Wake County Public School System was notified that more than $8 million in federal education funding is being withheld — funds that support teachers, academic programs, and critical resources through Title II, III, and IV.

Without that money, the district says it’s being forced to extend a hiring freeze, cut spending, and delay the filling of vital positions. This comes on top of rising school meal costs for families, with breakfast and lunch prices set to increase again next year — the fourth hike in a row.

This is a crisis we can’t afford to ignore.

Our public schools are already stretched thin. Losing $8.1 million in federal support doesn’t just mean cuts — it means fewer teachers, less classroom support, and fewer opportunities for Wake County students.

We’re calling on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and federal education officials to resolve this funding issue immediately and ensure that every dollar owed to Wake County schools is delivered.

Add your name if you believe students should come first — not political delays or funding confusion.