TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would release frozen funds for after-school programs, but it remains unclear when schools and programs will see that money.

Florida’s Department of Education said they don’t know exactly how much Florida will get, although it has received around $70 million in previous years from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

Meanwhile, many schools are dealing with uncertainty. Suwannee County School Superintendent Ronnie Gray said, “We know very little other than the funds are under review.”

They are optimistic about the news on after-school funding being released, and hope the other funds follow suit.

Outside of school districts, other programs that depend on federal funds are navigating the freeze.

The Thomasville Community Resource Center said that with the 21st Century funds freed up, they are excited to continue their after-school program.

However, the organization’s interim executive director, Don Simmons, said they are still unsure what comes next with other grants they rely on.

“Financially wise, there will be some budget implications because of the uncertainty of when the funding will be released or trickle down to support these operations, and also building up our donor base as well to carry these programs to the next reimbursement and the next reimbursement of funding,” Simmons said.

The interim executive director also said even with the 21st Century money approved, they’ve had to restructure their budget since they don’t know what other funds may be available again.

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