Federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting American education, particularly for students facing various disadvantages. Teachers like Heather Stambaugh, who works in a rural Ohio high school, witness the tangible benefits of this funding daily. It enables schools to provide individualized support, such as one-on-one tutoring and small group learning, which can be transformative for students who need extra help.

Stambaugh emphasizes the importance of investing in these students, stating, "These are the future doctors, lawyers, and business leaders. Their opportunities will be limited if we lack the necessary staff and resources." She worries about the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education, particularly for vulnerable students who rely on federally funded programs for essential interventions like reading support.

Percentage of Federal Funding Per K-12 Student. Public education funding by state

educationdata.org

In Detroit, high school teacher Rodney Fresh highlights the positive impact of federally funded career and technical programs. He's observed students who might have otherwise struggled find success and purpose through these programs. "These programs help them discover their niche and become contributing members of society," Fresh explains.

The Department of Education, established in 1980, serves several key functions, including collecting education data, distributing funds to communities in need, and enforcing civil rights laws. It's a relatively small department, with fewer than 5,000 employees, and it doesn't dictate school curricula.

President Trump has advocated for eliminating the department and returning control of education to individual states, suggesting the use of block grants to expand school voucher programs. However, the specifics of this plan remain unclear. Some lawmakers have proposed transferring the department's responsibilities and funding to other federal agencies.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington.

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Critics of the department, like Senator Mike Rounds, argue that it's a bureaucratic entity that hinders rather than helps education. Supporters, however, emphasize its vital role in providing resources and oversight.

Students raise their hand to answer the question in a class at elementary school in this undated stock photo.

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Rep. Jahana Hayes points out that many educational decisions, including curriculum and instruction, are already handled at the local and state levels, not by the Department of Education. Federal funding, while representing about 11% of school revenue nationally, plays a disproportionately larger role in some states, particularly those with higher poverty rates.

Programs like Title I and IDEA, which provide crucial support for low-income students and students with disabilities, are administered through the Department of Education. These programs fund essential services such as specialized instruction, therapy, and after-school programs. Stambaugh underscores the importance of this funding for vulnerable students, arguing that its removal would exacerbate existing inequalities.

Jahana Hayes speaks on gun legislation at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

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In Detroit, where many students face significant challenges outside of school, federal funding enables schools to provide additional support, such as meals, laundry facilities, and extra academic help. Fresh, who often takes on multiple roles for his students, emphasizes the constant demands of teaching in such environments.

The future of the Department of Education remains uncertain. While some lawmakers favor its dismantling, others express concern about the potential consequences for students. Rep. Hayes anticipates potential funding cuts even if the department isn't fully dismantled. The Department of Government Efficiency has already implemented significant budget reductions. The political landscape makes it difficult to predict whether Congress will ultimately dismantle the department. Rep. Burgess Owens, while supporting dismantling, acknowledges the need for alternative solutions and accountability measures if the department is eliminated.