Proposed federal budget cuts could end MFISD afterschool programs
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A popular afterschool program in the Marble Falls Independent School District, ACE, could be reduced or eliminated according to district leadership due to cuts in the proposed 2027 national budget.
The proposed budget includes plans to eliminate all 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding, leaving programs like ACE without financial assistance.
“This cut in funding would significantly reduce support for afterschool programs,” MFISD Superintendent Jeff Gasaway said in a statement to parents. “Without this vital federal funding, our ACE program is at risk of being eliminated here in Marble Falls as the district cannot absorb the cost of the program.”
MFISD’s afterschool ACE programs reportedly serve over 900 students across six campuses, and provide students with vital time to further their education while awaiting parent pickup after school.
Summertime opportunities like MFISD’s month-long Mustang ACE Summer Camp, offering academic enrichment, field trips, recreational activities, and more, would also be cut under the proposed budget.
Texas ACE, or Afterschool Centers on Education, provides free afterschool and summer programs to K-12 students across the state, funded by the 21st CCLC grant through the Texas Education Agency. Without federal funding, zero grant funding would be available for these programs, and financial responsibility would fall solely on districts wanting to maintain them.
Dr. Gasaway called for parents to reach out to legislators in support of the ACE program and to call for its continuation. Further information and contacts can be found towards the bottom of Dr. Gasaway’s statement here.
“Now is the time to reach out to legislators and let them know what a positive impact our afterschool program has provided for your child(ren) and family,” Dr. Gasaway said.
Elected Officials Contact Information
U.S. Senator for Texas John Cornyn
-Austin Office: 512-469-6034
-Contact online here
U.S. Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
-Austin Office: 512-916-5834
-Contact online here
U.S. House District 31 Representative John Carter
-Georgetown Office: 512-491-9061
-Contact online here
President Donald Trump
-Contact online here
2 thoughts on “Proposed federal budget cuts could end MFISD afterschool programs”
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When both parents work, reliable after school educational programming is critical. The ACE program at Spicewood has been absolutely wonderful for our child. We’re small business owners here locally that employ your friends and neighbors. We wrote letters to all the constituents listed above and urge you to do so, too.
What happened to America First? Seems like all our money is going to the war in Iran and tax breaks for billionaires.