Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle U.S. Education Department
In a significant shift in federal education policy, President Trump has initiated steps to close the U.S. Department of Education. The executive action, signed on Thursday, directs Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to take necessary actions to facilitate the department’s closure, within legal boundaries.
The department, which had already announced a substantial reduction in its workforce, is set to see its staff cut by almost half. Despite these changes, the administration assures that legally protected “formula funding” for schools, such as Title I and the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), will remain intact.
However, the impending layoffs at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) raise concerns about the future of these grants. Nearly the entire NCES staff will be placed on administrative leave, leaving only three employees to handle the workload, according to internal sources.
Matthew Gardner Kelly from the University of Washington highlights the potential impact, stating, “That will have an absolutely devastating impact.” NCES has been a trusted source for educational data since 1867, and its downsizing could affect funding determinations for high-poverty and rural schools.
Federal Grants: A Critical Resource for Underfunded Schools
Federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting schools, especially in low-income and rural areas. Title I funding, set at over $18.38 billion for the current fiscal year, benefits nearly 90% of U.S. school districts, offering vital support to K-12 schools in need.
The REAP program, though smaller in scale with a budget of $215 million, provides essential funding to rural schools. Amy Price Azano from Virginia Tech notes the importance of these dollars, saying they stretch further in rural areas.
Despite assurances that funding for the 2025-26 school year will not be affected, the future of these programs is uncertain, especially with potential cuts to the Census Bureau, which collaborates with NCES on funding eligibility assessments.
NCES: Essential for Federal Funding Distribution
NCES plays a pivotal role in determining school eligibility for Title I and REAP grants by analyzing data and aiding local school leaders. With upcoming layoffs, concerns grow about the ability to distribute funds for the 2026-27 school year.
Former NCES employee William Sonnenberg, who retired after decades of service, emphasizes the importance of NCES’s guidance, stating that local school leaders often rely on their expertise.
As the Trump administration seeks to transfer educational authority to states and local communities, the loss of NCES oversight could hinder the effective allocation of federal funds to the schools that need them most.
Contributions to this report were made by Hansi Lo Wang, with editing by Nicole Cohen and Lauren Migaki. Visuals were provided by Mhari Shaw.
