A midsummer federal education funding freeze has iced more than $33 million earmarked for Idaho — creating a climate of uncertainty.

The Boise School District is hoping to avoid staff cuts. A Democratic legislator — and Boise school teacher — is particularly worried about a program for students who are trying to learn English. State superintendent Debbie Critchfield has freed up $2.8 million to fill part of the gap.

But Critchfield, a Republican, is largely staying out of the fray. She declined an interview request, and in a statement, she said she is hoping the funding will ultimately find its way to the states. “We’re hopeful we will know the timeline for distribution sooner rather than later as decisions are being made now in local districts for the coming school year.”