What If the Education Department Shuttered Its Doors?

The future of the U.S. Department of Education is uncertain as President Donald Trump pushes for significant changes. While complete dismantling would require Congressional approval, the administration has already initiated substantial funding cuts, resulting in job layoffs and office closures nationwide. Linda McMahon, the newly confirmed education secretary, described her role as overseeing the department during its “final mission.”

These developments have raised concerns among various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and policymakers. With over $200 billion at stake, the impact on education systems is expected to be significant. Although state and local governments primarily fund education, federal regulations often dictate how these funds are utilized. Eliminating the Department would not erase laws ensuring financial support for marginalized groups, such as low-income families or students with disabilities. However, the distribution and oversight of these funds could become complicated.

Experts have begun to investigate the ramifications of potential departmental changes. The Hechinger Report consulted various advocates and educators about the implications for student loans, special education, and other critical areas. Meanwhile, certain education programs, particularly those serving students on military bases or Native American reservations, exist outside the Department and would remain unaffected.

Early childhood education programs like Head Start and the Child Care Development Block Grant, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, would remain intact. However, smaller early learning initiatives, such as the Preschool Development Grant, which is partially overseen by the Education Department, could be at risk if the agency is abolished.

Title I funding, which supports schools with high numbers of low-income students, is enshrined in federal law and is likely to remain unaffected by a departmental change. While discussions about cutting federal education funding have circulated, significant budget reductions for Title I face strong bipartisan support in Congress.

Concerns regarding special education also come to the forefront. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, established in 1975, would not see modifications in funding or law without Congressional action. Roughly 7.5 million children benefit from this legislation, and its administration would need careful transition if oversight were to shift to another agency.

The potential for expanded school choice remains a focus of Trump’s agenda. While previous efforts to pursue charter schools and private school vouchers faced obstacles, the current political landscape might favor renewed attempts to enact these policies. Plans to enhance education savings accounts and allow family savings for homeschooling indicate a commitment to shifting educational paradigms.

Regarding school lunches, the National School Lunch Program operates independently of the Education Department and would remain unaffected by its potential dissolution. Over 30 million students benefit from this program daily, suggesting that changes at the federal education level would not impact lunch provisions.

Research and academic tracking conducted by the Institute of Education Sciences would continue, even amid discussions of the Department’s future. The Institute collects vast data across thousands of school districts, evaluating academic performance and resource allocation, essential for maintaining educational standards nationwide.

Lastly, the dismantling of the Department could weaken the Office for Civil Rights, responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in educational settings. This office has already seen staffing reductions, leading to unresolved cases and diminished enforcement capacity. Advocates warn that abandoning the Department’s educational oversight could undermine important civil rights protections.