BY MILES LAYTON

EDENTON — School districts across northeastern North Carolina are facing significant uncertainty following the announcement of a federal funding freeze affecting multiple key education programs. Administrators in Hyde, Chowan, and Perquimans counties say the hold on funds—many of which support professional development, afterschool programming, and teacher support—threatens to destabilize critical services that rural communities rely on. While districts remain financially solvent for now, leaders are calling on the public to step up and advocate for sustainable, long-term funding solutions.

Hyde County Schools Confronts a $350,000 Hold in Federal Support

Hyde County Schools is grappling with the immediate impact of a federal funding freeze that places more than $350,000 of anticipated revenue on pause. Approximately $300,000 of that amount was allocated to afterschool programs, while around $50,000 was tied to Title funding that supports multilingual learners (MLL), tuition reimbursement, and professional development for teachers, according to a press release from school system.

In a public statement, Superintendent Dr. Melanie Shaver acknowledged the challenges, but reassured families that the district’s financial footing remains steady—at least in the short term.

“Thanks to the prudent management by our Finance Team, and the dedication of our school and district leaders, Hyde County Schools is prepared to move forward,” she stated.

However, the broader consequences of the funding pause are already being felt. Afterschool programs, which provide essential academic enrichment and a safe environment for students beyond the classroom, are in jeopardy. The interruption of Title funding also threatens specialized services for English language learners and slows the professional growth pipeline for teachers through tuition support and continuing education.

Dr. Shaver emphasized that this is not an immediate crisis, but that it serves as a warning shot for the ongoing fiscal uncertainty rural school districts have faced for years. In particular, she cited the district’s stagnant small schools allotment—approximately $1.8 million—which has not increased in a decade despite rising costs in staffing, technology, and educational programming.

“For ten years, our small schools allotment has remained flat at approximately $1.8 million,” she noted. “During that time, our costs for staffing, technology, programs, and professional development have all increased. This reality places significant strain on rural districts like ours.”

To counter these mounting pressures, Shaver is calling on the broader Hyde County community—families, alumni, local business owners, and civic leaders—to take an active role in advocating for equitable and reliable education funding. She encouraged citizens to contact their local, state, and federal representatives to help ensure the voices of rural schools are not drowned out in larger budget discussions.

“If you or your child have benefited from afterschool programs, MLL services, or if you’ve seen the impact of well-prepared educators in your schools, we urge you to share your stories,” Shaver said. “Advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about real people, real classrooms, and the future of our children.”

She closed her remarks by emphasizing Hyde County Schools’ ongoing commitment to transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving as funding decisions unfold at the state and federal levels.

“Together, we can make a difference,” she said. “The strength of our district lies not only in our educators, but in the community that surrounds and supports our students. Your voice matters—now more than ever.”

Edenton-Chowan Public Schools Also Impacted by Federal Budget Delay

Edenton-Chowan Public Schools (ECPS) is also among the districts affected by the federal hold. According to Superintendent Tammi Ward, the district received approximately $156,000 in the 2024–25 school year from programs that are now under federal review and may not be funded or may face reductions going forward.

These programs provided essential financial support for curriculum development, licensure assistance, and professional development for both teachers and administrators—investments that play a central role in classroom effectiveness and school leadership.

Ward confirmed that while some federal programs have issued preliminary planning allotments—including Title I, Exceptional Children, and Career and Technical Education (CTE)—these funds have come in at lower levels than in previous years. The reduction in planning allotments, combined with the delay in final federal approvals, has required the district to approach budgeting with heightened care and adaptability.

“While it’s not uncommon for some planning allotments to remain unconfirmed at the start of the school year, it does require us to be especially thoughtful and strategic in our financial planning,” Ward said. “These variables call for continued vigilance in budgeting, monitoring, and evaluating all expenditures, regardless of their funding source. Our priority remains ensuring that resources are aligned to support teaching, learning, and student success.”

The timing of the freeze has added further complexity to ECPS’s 2025–26 budget planning cycle. Still, Ward emphasized that the district remains committed to balancing financial responsibility with its mission of instructional excellence.

“Edenton-Chowan Public Schools entered the 2025–26 budget planning process with a clear commitment to fiscal responsibility, placing a high priority on supporting our employees and providing the resources necessary for strong core and supplemental instruction,” she said.

Ward also highlighted the critical role played by local partners like the Edenton-Chowan Education Foundation and the county and town governments, which continue to bolster the district’s efforts even in periods of fiscal uncertainty.

“Although the absence of a finalized state budget and certain key federal allotments presents challenges, our Board of Education, district leadership, and schools remain focused on our goals and action steps,” Ward said. “We are grateful for the continued support of our county, town, and the Edenton-Chowan Education Foundation—partners who contribute in meaningful ways beyond financial support to help ensure the success of our schools and students.”

Perquimans County Schools Faces Staff and Program Cuts

In Perquimans County, Superintendent Tanya Turner confirmed that her district is experiencing similar impacts from the federal funding freeze. Specifically, she said the district has been notified that it may not receive funding for PRC 103 and PRC 108 in the upcoming school year. These two grant programs currently support two staff positions and fund initiatives designed to assist and retain new teachers.

“These grants currently fund two positions as well as new teacher support programs,” Turner said.

The district had also been expecting a significant increase in its low-wealth allotment—an increase of nearly $400,000 for 2025–2026 if full funding had been restored. However, the current state budget proposal maintains existing funding levels, effectively canceling the anticipated boost.

Turner pointed out that for smaller, rural districts like Perquimans, these low-wealth allotments are vital for maintaining parity with better-funded school systems in urban and suburban areas. Without the additional state or federal support, the district may be forced to make difficult choices regarding staffing and program continuation.

The Bigger Picture: A Call for Action

Taken together, the responses from Hyde, Chowan, and Perquimans counties, much like other school districts across Northeast NC reveal a troubling trend: rural schools, already operating on tight budgets and constrained resources, are being disproportionately impacted by delays and reductions in federal and state funding. While all three districts report sound fiscal management and short-term stability, the long-term sustainability of key programs is far from guaranteed.

In each case, superintendents are asking for community advocacy—not just to protect current programming, but to ensure that rural districts are given the resources they need to thrive in the future. Parents, students, educators, and community members are encouraged to contact lawmakers, attend school board meetings, and share their experiences.

While school leaders continue to do what they can with the resources available, the consensus is clear: meaningful and sustained support from policymakers at all levels is necessary to preserve equity and quality in public education across North Carolina’s rural communities.

As Shaver of Hyde County put it, “Your voice matters—now more than ever.”