seniorspectrumnewspaper – Reports indicate that White House officials are considering an executive order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education, prompting Fort Worth school officials to assess how this decision could affect students.
Although President Donald Trump cannot unilaterally dismantle the department, the Wall Street Journal reported that his administration may issue an order directing education officials to end federally funded programs not protected by law. The order would also urge Congress to eliminate the department entirely, raising concerns about long-term funding for schools.
Texas schools rely on millions of dollars in federal funding each year, particularly for low-income students and students with disabilities. Many of these programs are legally mandated, so an executive order alone would not immediately cut off funding. However, if Congress moves forward with dismantling the department, schools could experience significant budget shortfalls.
Education advocates warn that the most vulnerable students may suffer the most if federal oversight is removed. Programs that support special education, Title I schools, and free or reduced-price lunches could face reductions, deepening educational disparities.
Fort Worth school districts are closely monitoring the situation. If education funding shifts to state control, local leaders worry that inequities in school resources could widen, leaving some students without the support they need.
For now, Trump’s proposed executive order remains in discussion, and Congress has not yet taken legislative action. However, the possibility of eliminating the Department of Education continues to spark debate among educators, parents, and policymakers nationwide.
Federal Funding and Potential Impact on Local Schools
Fort Worth ISD receives $61.9 million in federal funding for the current school year, accounting for 6% of its total budget, according to district records. Of that amount, $13.3 million comes from Title I grants, which provide essential support for economically disadvantaged students.
Despite discussions about eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, Fort Worth ISD officials remain uncertain about how local schools would be affected.
“At this time, any potential impact is unknown as this issue is still evolving,” district officials stated. “Our focus will continue to be on educating all students and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, and the community.”
The Department of Education Role in Public Education
Congress established the U.S. Department of Education in 1979 through the Department of Education Organization Act. Since Congress created it by law, only Congress can dismantle the department, meaning an executive order alone cannot eliminate it.
While state and district officials control curricula and academic standards, the federal Education Department plays a vital role in funding and oversight. It manages over a trillion dollars in student loan debt, collects student achievement data, and enforces equal access to education laws, including Title IX protections against discrimination.
The department also distributes Title I funding, which supports schools with high numbers of low-income students, and funds special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Since both programs were established by Congress, they cannot be eliminated through executive action.
Additionally, the department’s Office for Civil Rights investigates discrimination complaints. In 2023, it launched an investigation into Fort Worth ISD after a teacher allowed a student to use a racial slur repeatedly during a class presentation. That investigation remains open.
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GOP Push to Eliminate U.S. Department of Education Sparks Concerns Over Federal Oversight and School Funding
For decades, Republican leaders have sought to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Just three years after its creation in 1979, President Ronald Reagan pledged in his 1982 State of the Union address to dismantle both the Department of Education and the Department of Energy.
More recently, during the 2023 Republican presidential debate, candidates including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy vowed to shut down the department. Former President Donald Trump, who skipped the debate, previously proposed merging the department with the Department of Labor, but his plan failed to gain traction.
Shifting Federal Education Responsibilities to the States
Recently, Trump has suggested transferring some of the department’s functions to other federal agencies or giving states control over education funding. Project 2025, a policy handbook by the conservative Heritage Foundation, called for eliminating Title I funding and converting other federal education aid into block grants controlled by state governments.
Challenges for State Education Departments
Many education experts warn that state agencies lack the infrastructure to manage these responsibilities. Eric Duncan, director of P-12 policy at EdTrust, noted that states already struggle to administer existing education programs. If federal funds were converted into block grants, state education departments would be responsible for distributing funds fairly—a task many are not equipped to handle.
Duncan warned that eliminating the department would disproportionately harm marginalized students, including students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners. Small districts, which depend on federal aid to fill budget gaps, would also suffer.
Concerns Over Civil Rights Enforcement
Dismantling the department wouldn’t repeal civil rights protections, but it would weaken enforcement. Federal oversight ensures that schools comply with anti-discrimination laws, giving families legal recourse when schools fail to meet requirements. Without federal enforcement, Duncan cautioned, families would lose a key tool for advocating for their children’s rights.
