12/30/2025
🚨 $8 MILLION CUT FROM PASSAIC COUNTY SCHOOLS — HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Paterson & Passaic families, this matters.
This week, Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-09) sharply criticized the U.S. Department of Education for refusing to reverse its decision to cut $7.9 million in federal funding from Passaic County schools. The funding came from the Full-Service Community Schools Grant Program, which supports wraparound services for students and families.
According to Rep. Pou, the decision came with no warning, little explanation, and days before Christmas.
What does this funding pay for?
This isn’t “extra money.” This funding supports essential services, including:
After-school programs
Tutoring and academic support
Mental health counseling
Food assistance
Health and social services
Without this funding, these services will now end.
Which schools are affected?
Eight schools in Passaic County’s Ninth Congressional District will lose funding, including:
Passaic
MLK School No. 6
Passaic High School
Joseph A. Taub Middle School
Paterson
Paterson International High School
Paterson Eastside High School
School No. 16
School No. 6
Alonzo T. Moody Academy High School
How much money is being cut?
A total of $7.9 million over three years:
$2.8M in 2026
$2.8M in 2027
$2.3M in 2028
Nationwide, 18 Full-Service Community School grants are being eliminated under this decision.
What makes this especially troubling
Rep. Pou says the Paterson Public School District offered to address any concerns the Department of Education had with the program. Despite that, the Department refused to engage and allowed the cuts to stand.
Pou warned these cuts will have long-term consequences, leaving students to return to school with fewer resources, fewer supports, and fewer opportunities to succeed.
Why this matters locally
These programs don’t just help students — they help families. In cities like Passaic and Paterson, community schools often serve as hubs for food security, mental health care, and stability. Losing this funding shifts the burden onto families who are already stretched thin.
What happens next
Congresswoman Pou has demanded the funding be restored and sent an urgent letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon warning of the “catastrophic harm” these cuts will cause. As of now, the Department has not reversed its decision.
📌 Bottom line:
This is not abstract politics. This is fewer services for our kids, fewer supports for our families, and real consequences that will be felt for years.
Stay informed. Share this with parents, educators, and neighbors.
Our communities deserve transparency — and better.
PATERSON, NJ — Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today hammered the U.S. Department of Education’s refusal to reverse its decision to strip $8 million in funding for Passaic County schools under the Full-Service Community Schools grant program.
