Students enjoying after-school programs at La Conner School District.
La Conner, July 31, 2025
The La Conner School District has announced the reinstatement of essential programs, including the Braves’ Hub after-school initiative and the Brave Beginnings preschool. This decision follows the release of delayed federal funding that had prompted prior cancellations. District officials expressed relief and gratitude as they welcome back staff affected by the funding freeze. However, potential cuts in future federal budgets still pose threats to ongoing financial stability and vital services for students in La Conner and nearby districts.
La Conner – The La Conner School District has announced the reinstatement of previously canceled programs after receiving the federal funding it had been awaiting. The announcement has brought significant relief to the district, particularly for programs like the after-school initiative, Braves’ Hub, and the new Brave Beginnings preschool that were scheduled for cancellation this past July due to funding freezes.
The federal government had delayed the release of vital educational funds, prompting La Conner School District officials to cancel services aimed at supporting students. Among these was the Braves’ Hub, which typically serves between 25 to 40 students daily by offering after-school activities and support. The district also projected a significant loss related to its services for migrant and multilingual students, putting vulnerable student populations at risk.
Fortunately, a week following the cancellation announcement, the Trump administration provided an update indicating that the previously withheld federal funds would be disbursed, with delivery expected by the start of the 2025-26 school year. Superintendent Dave Cram and Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier noted the positive impact of this funding release, expressing gratitude as they reported that staff who were displaced due to the funding freeze would have the opportunity to return to their positions.
While the restoration of these programs is a positive step forward, the federal funding situation remains somewhat uncertain. The Trump administration’s budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year suggests potential cuts to federal education grant programs, posing ongoing risks to the district’s future financial stability. La Conner School District officials have committed to closely monitoring budget discussions and keeping the community informed regarding developments.
This year, the La Conner School District is facing a projected loss of $652,057 if federal funding doesn’t continue to arrive, which would have a serious impact on its annual revenue of approximately $13 million. Currently, more than 100 students within the district qualify for migrant student services, and around 16-17 students benefit from grants aimed at enhancing English language acquisition.
In addition to La Conner, nearby districts are also experiencing the repercussions of the funding freeze. The Mount Vernon School District is at risk of losing $2.07 million, Bellingham Public Schools is facing a potential loss of $1 million, and Burlington-Edison could lose $662,765 if federal funding does not materialize. The potential cuts threaten vital student services that many local families depend on.
In light of the ongoing funding uncertainties, the La Conner School District is restructuring its staffing and programming to ensure that essential services for students can be maintained. The reinstatement of Braves’ Hub and the Brave Beginnings preschool will help support the educational needs of various families, especially those preparing for kindergarten registration. Going forward, the district is committed to navigating the challenges surrounding funding while advocating for resources that ensure a comprehensive education for all students.
The La Conner School District is reinstating the Braves’ Hub after-school program and the Brave Beginnings preschool program.
The programs were canceled due to a freeze on federal funding which significantly impacted the district’s budget.
Braves’ Hub serves between 25-40 students daily, while Brave Beginnings was expected to support kindergarten readiness for around 12 families.
If federal funding is not received, La Conner School District is facing a projected loss of $652,057, while other nearby districts could face even larger losses.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Reinstated | Braves’ Hub, Brave Beginnings preschool |
| Reason for Cancellation | Federal funding freeze |
| Financial Impact | $652,057 loss projected for La Conner if funding not received |
| Students Benefiting | 25-40 students (Braves’ Hub); 12 families (Brave Beginnings) |
| Nearby Districts at Risk | Mount Vernon ($2.07 million), Bellingham ($1 million), Burlington-Edison ($662,765) |
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