Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the Department of Education (DoE) and urging Congress to abolish it outright. The administration frames this initiative as a way of “returning authority to the states.” This initiative aims to reduce the agency’s footprint, including mass staff layoffs and proposals to reassign many of its functions to other federal entities or state and local governments.

While the executive branch is taking steps to dismantle the DoE, many of its core programs— such as Title I funding, Pell grants, and special education support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)— have broader bipartisan support and are protected by law. This legal foundation poses a major obstacle in the process of outright abolishing the department, which requires an act of Congress. The DoE may however reassign the responsibilities elsewhere to go around that restriction.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)— as with many other public school districts across the country— strongly benefits from federal funding. Approximately 19% of the JCPS budget comes from federally provided grants. This funding supports critical programs including: 

• Title I Funding: Provides support for low-income areas and communities, an urgent need in Louisville
• Special Education Funding: Ensures services for students with disabilities
• School Meal Programs: While provided by the USDA, additional cuts have been made that impact public schools

With nearly one-fifth of its budget coming from federal dollars, JCPS will likely have to rework its budget priorities or seek additional funds locally or from the state— both of which are unsustainable in the long run. Reworking their budget may exclude funds to key programs of support, while seeking additional funding will encounter significant resistance. JCPS’ federal funding amounts to at least $160 million— about 20% of Louisville Metro’s total tax revenue. 

Local educators are deeply concerned. The Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) participated in a nationwide walk-in last month, with faculty members of various JCPS schools including Manual joining in. The goal of the walk-in was to show support for federal funding for public schools.

“I don’t know how they would survive,” JCTA President Maddie Shepard said. “The only other tax revenue sources are local taxes and state taxes and so for a lot of districts, there isn’t the revenue for the state and county to raise the revenue so we depend on it from the national government.”

There is growing concern among administrators of school districts across the state. These vast federal cuts could result in the deterioration of special education for those in need, a decrease in the quality of education and potentially the closure of school districts. Questions remain as to whether or not states are even capable of absorbing the responsibilities previously managed by the federal government. Without adequate support, communities could face long-term challenges in maintaining equitable access to quality education.

Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, appointed under PresidentTrump, is tasked with the job of “dismantling the department,” and additionally will be set to consider how to distribute the mandated responsibilities of the department onto other agencies or the states.

McMahon’s appointment has sparked controversy. Though she did briefly hold a seat on the Connecticut Board of Education in 2009, McMahon resigned after questions were brought against her about a questionnaire she answered for the Board position, where it was found that she had misrepresented her degree. Beyond this, McMahon hasn’t had much time in the field of education, leading critics to question her position as the Secretary of Education, as McMahon’s limited background seems ill-suited for the top education post in the country.

The National Education Association published a statement urging senators not to vote in McMahon as Secretary of Education, claiming that she “lacks basic qualifications and knowledge,” along with criticizing her unfamiliarity with the true role of the DoE.

Similarly, community demonstrations highlight a stronger nation-wide commitment to preserving the quality of public education. Dismantling or significantly weakening the DoE would shift a considerable amount of responsibility to state and local governments. While some argue that this may lead to more tailored educational policies for each state, others warn there are risks to losing the uniform civil rights protections and accountability measures that are currently enforced by the federal agency.

High school seniors may be curious about what will happen with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA program— this program helps millions of students pay for higher education. While McMahon promises the federal program will stay, hundreds of employees have been laid off by the Trump Administration and the Small Business Administration (SBA) has been pushed the responsibility of covering the entire federal student loan portfolio. This decision was met with significant opposition, and faced outcry from the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC).

“Moving the student loan program to the SBA is illegal, unserious, and a clear attempt to distract the public from the fact that Trump has broken the student loan system and is actively cheating millions of borrowers out of their rights,” SBPC Executive Director Mike Pierce said.

With the DoE beginning its deconstruction and relocating its loan portfolio, the focus on students may be shifted in this vast process of change, and the millions of seniors needing help to pay may be negatively impacted.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have created targets for those in power aiming to create budget-cuts. In Kentucky, attempts to end DEI programs are prevalent, both federally from the executive branch and locally from the state legislature. For many schools, DEI programs provide essential support for students from marginalized communities.

Ultimately, a reduction in federal funds might mean that programs supporting disadvantaged students get scaled back or delayed. With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the Department of Education, JCPS and other districts are entering an uncertain period where financial planning, student services and federal oversight all hang in limbo.