A decision by the federal education agency to withhold some $6 billion in funds means Denver Public Schools isn’t getting millions in grant money — not before a review. 

Whether DPS ultimately gets the funds depends on what the U.S. Department of Education determines following its review. The agency didn’t say how long the review will last. 

The federal agency said it wants to ensure taxpayer resources are “spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.”

While the department didn’t spell out what those priorities are, the Trump administration has taken aim at funding diversity, equity and inclusion programs, calling them discriminatory, wasteful and anathema to American values. 

Scott Pribble, a district spokesperson, said the withheld amount is $10 million.

The federal agency’s decision means halting the distribution — pending that review — of $71 million in education grants for Colorado that fund afterschool and summer programs, professional development and teacher salaries.  

This represents about 13% of the total federal funding, according to an analysis by the Learning Policy Institute.

Founded in 2015, the Learning Policy Institute conducts research to support “equitable learning,” according to the organization’s website.

“This funding for our schools is already obligated, and it’s absurd that the federal government withheld it,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “Investing in education and ensuring that Colorado children have the best possible future has been a top priority, and it’s disappointing to see the federal government hurt students and teachers.”

Polis urged the Trump administration to reverse course.

Congress passed a continuing resolution in March that provides roughly $45 billion in federal funding to support K-12 students through the end of fiscal year 2025. President Donald Trump had signed it into law.

“These funds are essential to supporting students, educators, and communities across all 178 school districts and BOCES (Educational Services agencies),” Education Commissioner Susana Córdova said in a statement. “Without them, schools may face significant cuts to programs and services that families and educators rely on. These programs help ensure every child — no matter where they live — has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.”

In a joint statement with DPS Board of Education President Carrie Olson, Superintendent Alex Marrero said the state’s largest school district had already hired staff, relying on these federal grants.

“Withholding these critical dollars just days before the new school year begins will result in widespread disruption: classrooms without teachers, students without essential support services and schools facing impossible budget shortfalls,” the statement said.