As President Donald Trump continues to discuss the possibility of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, educators in Ohio are voicing concerns over how such a move could drastically affect their schools. If carried out, this could jeopardize federal funding that many school districts in the state heavily rely on to support students, especially those from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities.
The Possible Consequences of Eliminating Federal Funding
Trump’s ongoing rhetoric suggests that he might pursue an executive order to dissolve the Department of Education, an idea that has sparked considerable unease among Ohio’s educators. However, it’s important to note that Trump cannot unilaterally abolish a federal agency without Congressional approval. Despite this, the discussion has raised valid concerns about how it might impact Ohio’s public school systems.
Ohio school districts are dependent on federal support, with the average district receiving roughly 10% of its funding from the federal government. For districts serving larger numbers of low-income students, this reliance on federal funds is even more critical. Some schools in rural and urban areas could see federal contributions make up 20% to 25% of their budgets.
“Districts that have a higher percentage of students in poverty depend even more on the federal government for support,” said Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of this funding, especially if the Department of Education were dismantled, has many worried about the future of these vulnerable districts.
In Ohio, where over 90% of students attended public school during the 2023-24 school year, the federal government’s financial support is a lifeline. If this funding were to disappear, many districts would face significant challenges in maintaining essential programs and services.
The Vital Role of Title I and IDEA Funding
One of the most pressing concerns is the potential loss of Title I funds, which are provided to districts with a high percentage of low-income students. These funds are integral in helping schools close the achievement gap by providing additional resources to support struggling students. According to DiMauro, Title I dollars benefit more than 808,000 students across Ohio.
“Without these funds, the resources we use to address learning gaps, provide interventions, and create safe, inclusive environments could be stripped away,” explained Larry Carey, a central Ohio educator. For many students, Title I funding is the difference between struggling and succeeding in school. Losing this support could have long-term repercussions, especially for Ohio’s most vulnerable students.
The federal government also plays a key role in ensuring services for students with disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal government guarantees a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities. If the Department of Education were eliminated, these protections could be jeopardized, leaving students without the necessary services to succeed academically.
Traci Arway, a special education coordinator with Columbus City Schools, expressed concern over how the dismantling of the Department of Education could affect funding for services like hers. “It’s really scary,” Arway said. “How is that going to impact all of the service providers and employees, like myself, who a portion of our salaries are paid through IDEA funding to provide services?”
Ohio’s public schools served over 16% students with disabilities during the 2023-24 school year, a significant portion of the student population that could be left vulnerable without federal support.
The Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The loss of federal funding would have a disproportionately negative effect on Ohio’s vulnerable populations, including low-income students and those with disabilities. These students already face significant barriers to education, and without the support provided by the Department of Education, their academic futures could be in jeopardy.
For schools in Ohio that already struggle with limited resources, the loss of federal funds could lead to tough decisions, such as cutting essential programs, reducing staff, or increasing class sizes. The ripple effects would be felt throughout communities, with many students who rely on these services finding themselves without the support they need to succeed.
“Students in poverty and students with disabilities are the ones who are most at risk of losing the support they need to succeed,” DiMauro emphasized. The elimination of the Department of Education would only widen the gap between affluent and low-income districts, exacerbating existing educational inequalities in Ohio.
In Ohio, where public schools are already grappling with underfunding and a growing achievement gap, dismantling the Department of Education could further destabilize an already fragile system. While Trump’s administration may have the political will to push for such a move, it’s clear that Ohio’s educators and parents will be left to pick up the pieces if these crucial funding streams are cut off.
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