WARREN — City Schools Treasurer Karen Sciortino addressed concerns about federal education funding during a Warren Board of Education meeting Tuesday, following the Trump administration’s freeze on certain grant programs.

Sciortino told board members the district receives nearly $12 million in federal formula and competitive grants, including Title I funds for disadvantaged students, special education support and meal assistance programs. Approximately 70% of the funds cover salaries and benefits, with the remainder allocated to services, supplies and overhead.

To date, the district has received $3.5 million of its allocated grants and is awaiting reimbursement for $445,000 in recent spending.

Updated guidance from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, issued hours before the meeting, clarified that formula grants — including Title I and IDEA — would not be affected by the freeze.

However, uncertainty remains about the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, which accounts for 92% of the district’s food service revenue.

Sciortino cited White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s earlier remarks that the freeze would not impact individual assistance programs, but said the district is still seeking clarity on meal reimbursements.

If reimbursements stall, Sciortino said most grants appear secure for now, with no immediate operational disruptions expected. The district’s federal grants are budgeted through 2024.

Sciortino said she would provide updates as more information becomes available.

The freeze would have been effective at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, but a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze later in the day.