Federal School Funding Advocacy
The federal Department of Education is under attack. Recently President Trump issued an Executive Order instructing new U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.” While the department can only be dismantled through congressional action, the administration has already laid off approximately half of the Department of Education staff – severely limiting its ability to function.
The Department of Education provides vital services to our students, including important funding for our K-12 public schools. Federal funding through programs like Title 1 and IDEA made up approximately 10% of Virginia public school budgets last year, which adds up to the equivalent of roughly 8,950 teaching positions. Elimination of this funding would especially impact schools with a high share of low-income students and students with disabilities.
While the administration has promised to protect Title 1 and IDEA funds, there is no guarantee that they actually will. Gutting the Education Department also means getting rid of the systems in place to make sure that the funding is delivered to schools that need it most. For instance, all but three of the over 100 people who worked at the National Center for Education Statistics have been laid off. The NCES, which is part of the Education Department, plays a vital role in actually getting Title 1 and IDEA money to schools and its unclear how those funds will be distributed without them.
In addition to providing funding for public schools, the Education Department also plays a key role in tracking data, doing research, and making sure our schools are serving students with disabilities. Their work helps make sure that all of our students are being given the same access to opportunities. If we lose the national insights provided by the Education Department, our schools won’t have the tools and information that they need to give our students the education that they need to thrive.
Here's how much federal funding contributed to each Virginia school division's budget in the 2023-2024 school year:
Note: divisions received some federal COVID-related funds during the 2023-2024 school year
Funding from the Department of Education impacts a lot of students and families. Here is one parent's story:
“Every morning, I watch as my daughter, a vibrant and determined seventh grader, gets ready for school. She has dreams just like her peers, but her journey is different. She faces unique challenges caused by fine motor delays and oral motor skill delays, which require specialized support to ensure she can participate fully in her education.
Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding, my daughter receives the necessary occupational therapy that allows her to engage in her lessons and develop the skills she needs for real-world challenges. Through this support, she is learning not only academic concepts but also crucial life skills that will empower her as she grows.
In the halls of this Harrisonburg Middle School, my daughter benefits from a dedicated speech therapist who provides her with the tools she needs to communicate effectively. Her therapy sessions are not merely an obligation; they are a lifeline. With each word she learns to express and with every sentence she forms, she gains confidence and the ability to advocate for her own needs.
Her middle school and elementary school teachers have also received additional training from the state to understand and support students with challenges like hers. This training ensures that educators can create inclusive classrooms where all students, including those without Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), can thrive. The entire community benefits from this approach, fostering an environment of understanding and respect.
However, I’m worried about the future. With discussions around dismantling the Department of Education and reducing IDEA funding, I want our community to understand the real impact this would have. For families like mine, these programs are not just lines on a budget; they represent hope and opportunity. The support my daughter receives is vital not just for her success but for the success of all students who depend on these resources. I invite you to participate in this important conversation about the significance of IDEA funding.
Together, let’s advocate for our children and ensure that every student has access to a fair and appropriate education, enabling them to flourish alongside their peers. Your voice matters, and as a community, we can make a difference.”
– Jay Brown, Harrisonburg City Pubic Schools parent
