BOISE, ID — The U.S. Department of Education has reversed an earlier decision and will continue funding a federal grant program that supports staffing and services at community schools across Idaho, according to a press release issued Wednesday.

The decision restores nearly $30 million that had been frozen under a previous determination that the program was ineligible for funding due to perceived ties to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The funding was awarded to United Way of Treasure Valley as part of a five-year Full-Service Community Schools State Scaling Grant scheduled to run through 2028.

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said the reversal followed a federal review of the program.

“This decision affirms that Community Schools are both effective and fully aligned with federal and state law, and that they reflect the values Idaho families care about most—strong schools and strong families,” Critchfield said in a statement.

The grant, awarded in 2023, totals $45.9 million over five years and supports 65 schools statewide, including 47 rural public schools. Funding is used for services aimed at improving literacy and STEM outcomes, expanding after-school and career-technical programs, and increasing access to mental health and family support services, according to the release.

Each community school is locally led by school districts in partnership with families and community organizations, with an emphasis on connecting students and parents to resources such as healthcare, job training, and adult education.

U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch submitted a letter to the Department of Education on Dec. 18 in support of the appeal to keep the program funded through its original term.

Gov. Brad Little also commented on the decision, saying the department restored funding after determining the grant was not being used to promote DEI initiatives.

United Way of Treasure Valley had previously warned that the funding freeze threatened more than 60 full-time positions, including community coordinators who help families access food assistance, dental care, mental health services, job training and GED programs.