Hirschauer Responds to Devastating Funding Cuts to West Chicago Schools, Programs, Social Services

WEST CHICAGO — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is responding to recent news that the federal administration will halt tens of millions of dollars in grants set aside to strengthen schools in low-income communities, including District 33 in West Chicago.

“This abrupt decision to pull funding from schools serving some of our most vulnerable students is absolutely devastating,” said Hirschauer. “These funds provide critical lifelines—hot meals, enrichment programs, and after-school sports and clubs that support children’s positive development as they grow. What makes this even more gut-wrenching is that the president’s anti-DEI rhetoric is being used to justify stripping away resources from our children. The cruelty of the federal government truly knows no bounds.”

District 33 is one of 70 Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grantees that were expecting more than $380 million in federal awards between now and 2028. In Illinois, the organization ACT Now facilitates these funds to serve over 19,000 students across 32 public schools annually, including support for Leman Middle School (LMS) and Wegner Elementary Schools in District 33.

Due to the Trump Administration's executive orders limiting DEI in school settings, the West Chicago school district was notified Friday that it will lose access to critical funds starting Jan. 1st—leaving handfuls of staff and several community partners scrambling to provide for students relying on programs, including extended learning time, health care, tutoring programs, meals, and more.

A total of over $55 million in funding will be discontinued over the next three years across Illinois, jeopardizing the district’s full-time Community School Administrator, academic and enrichment programming, mental health and social service partnerships, and more.

“To take funding away from students, educators, and families with no notice, and during the holiday season is unconscionable. While the decisions made in Washington continue to wreak havoc on hard working Illinoisans, my focus remains fighting for the communities we deserve,” said Hirschauer. “That includes protecting and investing in our schools to ensure that every child has access to learning, opportunity, and the unforgettable lessons that take place in classrooms every day.”