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ASTEC Families,
You may have seen the news about school funding and student meals. We would like to share our insights on two major issues currently affecting Mustang Public Schools and districts across the state.
Federal Funding on Hold
In late June, the U.S. Department of Education temporarily delayed more than $53 million in federal funding intended for Oklahoma schools. As part of this, Mustang is facing a shortfall of approximately $470,000 in the 2025-2026 school year. These funds typically support:
- Mentoring/Training for teachers on alternative and emergency certifications
- Services for English learners
- Tutoring
- Technology and other learning tools
- Professional development for teachers
- Family engagement opportunities
This Spring, we were told to expect a flat budget (the same amount as the previous year), but the funding has now been frozen at the federal level. Despite the lack of available funding, we are still required to meet federal mandates, just with fewer resources. As a result of this funding freeze, we are exploring every available option to protect the programs that support our students and staff.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the delay is due to a transition between federal administrations. The department is reviewing program allocations to ensure alignment with federal priorities before issuing grant award notifications.
In this case, funds are currently “impounded,” which means they’ve been delayed, not permanently cut. However, without timely action from the U.S. Department of Education, the impact would feel the same: Mustang may have to operate without nearly half a million dollars in expected funding next school year.
OSDE Meal Mandate
Recently, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) announced that all districts will be required to provide free meals to all students beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Through another Federal program, ASTEC can provide all students with complimentary breakfast and lunch. We anticipate that it will continue this year, but are unsure what will happen after that.
If federal funding is eliminated and ASTEC has to cover student meals, it will create a financial catastrophe, mainly since charter schools already operate with less funding than traditional schools. Most school child nutrition programs already operate at a deficit, and the district has to make up the difference. However, no district has the money to assume the entire cost.
The administrative costs you may have read about are misleading and include operational expenses, in addition to administrative costs. The majority of carryover monies a district has from one year to the next are designated for particular items, such as textbooks, maintenance, security, etc., and may not be legally used to pay for lunches. ASTEC’s administrative costs are below the state requirements.
We will provide you with more information as it becomes available.
You can also contact Your Legislators: Click Here
We encourage families to reach out to federal lawmakers and ask:
“Why are my tax dollars that you, as a member of Congress, have already allocated/approved for school district funding being frozen? What is your plan to fund ASTEC Charter Schools for the 2025-26 school year (and beyond)?”
Food service operations must be planned and contracted months in advance; vendor surveys are due by March, and supply orders begin July 1. Without formal guidance early in the year, we cannot responsibly implement changes by August.
Each year:
- By March 1: Vendor surveys are submitted to estimate ordering needs
- By April 1: Districts notify vendors of commodity usage for the following school year
- On July 1: Vendors begin processing orders for the year
Missing or failing to meet these deadlines would disrupt food availability and compliance.
Questions Regarding the Mandates:
Does OSDE have the authority to audit or penalize districts for not complying?
Currently, there is no state law requiring universal free meals. While OSDE has stated intentions to issue emergency rules or withhold funding, those actions would require approval by the State Board of Education and potentially the Governor. To date, no such rule has been proposed or enacted.
Does the State Superintendent have the legal authority to require free meals for all students?
No. According to the Oklahoma House Education Committee Chair, the State Superintendent does not have the constitutional or legal authority to direct how school districts allocate their budgets. Budget decisions are entrusted to locally elected school boards, not state agencies.
Can the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) penalize districts that don’t comply with the universal meals directive?
Not under current law. There is no legal basis for the OSDE to impose sanctions or withdraw funding due to district budget decisions. Any attempt to do so would likely be overreach and may not withstand legal scrutiny.
Please be assured that our commitment to ASTEC families and students remains unchanged. We will continue to communicate responsibly, keeping students at the center of every decision we make.
Despite these challenges, we look forward to welcoming our students back into our classrooms on August 21, 2025, and to partnering with you as we begin another great year at ASTEC.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dr. Stacey Hughes, Superintendent
Dr. Freda Deskin, CEO & Founder
