Wayne County Community Schools Faces $6 Million Federal Funding Loss

Sodus, NY – On December 12, 2025, Wayne County Community Schools was notified by the U.S. Department of Education that our Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) federal grant would not continue as planned.

As a result, our organization is facing a loss of $6 million over the next two years – funding that directly supports more than 18 schools and community partners in providing critical services to students and families across Wayne County, NY.

The U.S. Department of Education discontinued funding for 19 Full-Service Community Schools grants nationwide, issuing the decisions simultaneously, using the same process and citing the same rationale. Appeals were submitted by all 19 grantees, and each was denied. To date, only one grantee has recovered funding: a program in Idaho, where national Republican congressional representatives successfully intervened with school district officials.

The decision to eliminate funding was not based on our performance. We have met, and in many cases exceeded, all grant requirements and Wayne County, NY isrecognized nationally as a strong example of how Community Schools can support students and families effectively.

We believe grant continuation decisions should be based on results and impact, not shifting political priorities. For that reason, we are continuing to press the U.S. Department of Education for a merit-based review of this decision.

Right now, we are actively assessing what this funding loss could mean and exploring every possible path forward. We don’t have all the answers yet, but we do know this:Community Schools are effective, and our students and families deserve continued support.

We are asking our community to stay engaged with us as we navigate this challenge. Your voice, attention, and advocacy matter, and we will continue to share updates and ways to help as next steps become clear.

For updates, and to learn more about this subject, please visit www.waynecountycommunityschools.org/fscs-funding-update.

To help, or for additional comments, please contact Jay Roscup, Director, Wayne County Community Schools at 315.527.6546.