Court Hears U.S. Department of Education’s Motion to Dismiss ACT Now Lawsuit on Abrupt School Grant Discontinuation
For Immediate Release:
April 13, 2026
Contact:
Jaclyn Driscoll
jaclyn@sgstrategies.com | (217) 371-7373
Zindy Marquez
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
zmarquez@clccrul.org | (312) 202-3657
**Interviews Available Upon Request**
Court Hears U.S. Department of Education’s Motion to Dismiss ACT Now Lawsuit on Abrupt School Grant Discontinuation, 19,000 Illinois Students and Families Wait in Uncertainty
CHICAGO — Today, a federal court heard arguments on the U.S. Department of Education’s Motion to Dismiss ACT Now Illinois’ lawsuit challenging the sudden decision to non-continue two Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants totaling $18.5 million annually. These grants support 19,000 students across 32 schools in Illinois.
The court did not issue an immediate ruling. A status hearing is set for Monday, April 20th at 9 a.m.
“We respect that the Court is taking the time to thoughtfully consider the arguments,” said Ric Estrada, President and CEO of Metropolitan Family Services. “We remain confident in our case and hopeful for a positive outcome so we can continue to support the thousands of students and families who rely on these critical services. For many families, these programs are a lifeline, their peace of mind, and the support they need to get through the day.”
“These grants are so much more than a line item in a budget,” said Susan Stanton, Executive Director of ACT Now Illinois. “They discreetly provide food for students over the weekend so they don’t have to worry about going hungry. They keep kids safe after the bell rings so families aren’t forced to juggle work and care. They help build meaningful relationships with trusted mentors who help kids reach their full potential. Families are waiting right alongside us today, hoping this case will move forward and their schools can continue to provide the support they rely on every day.”
“We are honored to represent ACT Now and Metropolitan Family Services in challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s improper non-continuation of these grants,” said Josie Eskow Skinner, Partner at Sligo Law Group. “The law is clear that the District Court is the proper forum to hear the merits of this case, and we are grateful for the opportunity to appear and present our arguments today and for the Court's diligent attention to this matter. We are hopeful that this case will lead to a lawful resolution that requires the Department to reassess its decision in light of the plaintiffs’ strong performance in meeting the grant objectives of improving vital services for children and families, particularly those attending high-poverty schools in rural and urban communities statewide.”
“We appreciate the Court’s careful attention to the arguments made today on the U.S. Department of Education’s Motion to Dismiss,” said Beatriz Diaz-Pollack, Director of Education Equity at Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. ”The Parties are asking the Court to resolve a procedural question regarding the appropriate forum for this case to proceed, and we look forward to the Court’s decision on this issue. We are hopeful the judge will agree with the arguments presented on ACT Now’s behalf and will allow the matter to move forward for a full consideration of the case regarding this programming, which is critical to school communities throughout Illinois.”
“My afterschool program is more than help with my homework,” said Gio Acosta, a student at Thomas Kelly College Prep. “It’s a place where I’ve joined the art club, made close friendships and learned about things I never knew I had an interest in. It’s where I hang out while my parents work, and where I can go when I need advice. I really hope it will still be here for me and my friends because it’s an important part of our lives.”
“Our school is truly a lifeline for my family,” said Casey Buchanan, a parent from Clinton Elementary School in Chicago. “These programs at these schools give me peace of mind because I know my kid is safe, fed and getting the help he needs. Our family relies on this support and I’m not sure how families will manage without it.”
The abrupt non-continuation of these FSCS grants has created tremendous uncertainty and forced some schools to lay off or reassign hundreds of staff members and halt programming altogether. ACT Now has and will continue supporting families and schools in communities across Illinois while awaiting the court’s ruling.
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