Du Quoin, Illinois – After-school programs in Du Quoin have been discontinued effective immediately following federal funding cuts, according to school officials and Democratic Party leaders.
Du Quoin Community Unit School District Superintendent Diana Rea announced Dec. 17 that multiple programs will end for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, including high school clubs, tutoring supports, K–8 after-school programs, and related activities. The district cited the loss of federal funding as the reason for the abrupt halt.
The announcement prompted criticism from the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, which attributed the funding reductions to policies enacted under the Trump administration. In a statement released Sunday, IDCCA President Mark Guethle criticized U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., calling on him to respond to the funding changes affecting the Du Quoin district.
Guethle said the loss of programs would have a direct impact on working families, citing increased childcare challenges and reduced academic support for students. He also linked the cuts to broader federal tax and budget policies, arguing they disproportionately benefit higher-income households. Those statements reflect the association’s political position.
School officials did not provide an estimate of the total funding loss or indicate whether alternative funding sources are being explored. The district encouraged parents and community members to contact federal representatives regarding the cuts.
The affected programs serve students across multiple grade levels and are commonly used by families relying on after-school supervision and academic support. The changes take effect immediately and are expected to remain in place through the end of the current school year unless funding is restored.
