President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE). Though he doesn’t have access to make this official without congressional approval, the budget cuts and workers he had laid off have already made a significant decrease to the DOE.
The DOE is responsible for coordinating education policies, programs, and funding. It controls federal funding distributions to schools, specifically low-income schools, and specific education programs. They focus on making sure all students receive equal access to high-quality education.
Most relevant to current juniors and seniors, the DOE oversees federal student loans and operates applications for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA), which allows students to apply for loans, grants, and scholarships.
The applications this year may look very different. It is believed that some workers will be moved from the DOE to another department that will now take control of Financial Aid and Pell Grants, however, specifics have not yet been released.
Many teachers are worried about how their schools’ programs will be affected by these changes.
“There are serious worries about the possibility of ending or cutting back on programs that assist special education students and their teachers,” said Special Education Department Chair Alexandra Szilassy. “All of our programs are at risk.”
These programs are crucial for students with special needs. The DOE works closely with programs such as The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) which ensure students get equal access to education.
“The loss of programs impacts our students because federal funds are there to ensure that students receive the free and appropriate public education they deserve,” said Szilassy. Federal money helps support various programs, including 504 plans which protect the rights of students with disabilities, and DARS programs which assists students in transitioning into adulthood and the workforce.”
If the DOE is disassembled, states would assume full control.
“Although the DOE is undergoing major changes which are hugely impacting the employment of folks in the federal D.C office, I hope that the money generated by cutting federal jobs can be reallocated to states to keep things going in Virginia Beach without too much change,” said Gifted Coordinator Mrs. Kelly Lepkowski. “I know this is probably not realistic but I want to remain as optimistic as I can.”
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What the Department of Education does ( and Doesn’t) do
