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.

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The Role of STEM in Education

STEM education is vital for developing the skills students need for future careers in technology, science, and engineering. As the world becomes increasingly driven by innovation, jobs in areas like aerospace, software development, and renewable energy are in high demand. By introducing STEM subjects in after-school settings, students have more opportunities to explore these fields and build essential problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

STEM programs can also inspire creativity and curiosity, helping students develop a passion for learning. These activities go beyond textbooks, offering real-world applications and interactive experiences that make science and technology more relatable and fun.

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NASA’s Contribution to STEM Programs

NASA’s participation brings unique learning experiences focused on space science and exploration. Through this collaboration, after-school programs will receive access to NASA-developed activities and resources, giving students the chance to explore astronomy, physics, and engineering. Projects may include building model spacecraft, studying planets, or learning about NASA’s missions to the moon and beyond.

The goal is to reach students in diverse and underserved communities, ensuring that all young learners have the opportunity to discover STEM subjects. NASA aims to spark an interest in science and space. Especially for students who might not have had much exposure to these areas before.

U.S. Department of Education’s Focus on STEM

The U.S. Department of Education is focused on broadening access to quality STEM education for all students. By integrating STEM into after-school programs. They aim to strengthen the connection between education and the skills needed for future jobs in a rapidly changing workforce. The department is working with local schools and community organizations to ensure these programs are accessible. Offering support to help students succeed.

Preparing the Next Generation Through STEM

This collaboration between NASA and the Department of Education highlights the importance of fostering STEM learning at a young age. After-school programs enriched with STEM activities are helping students build the skills necessary for future careers. Promoting curiosity, and inspiring innovation. As these programs expand, they are laying the groundwork for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.

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