If the U.S. Department of Education were eliminated, as President Donald Trump has promised, Florida’s education system could face significant shifts.
With the state assuming more control over federal programs, the impact on funding, services, and policies could be far-reaching. The changes might affect everything from financial aid to special education.
Here’s what you need to know about the potential impact on Florida if the Department of Education is shut down.
What exactly does the U.S. Department of Education do?
The U.S. Department of Education plays a significant role in education, despite education being primarily the responsibility of states and local communities. While the majority of education funding comes from state, local, and private sources, the federal government contributes about 8% to elementary and secondary education, according to the Department of Education.
The department’s main responsibility is to target funding in areas where it can have the most impact, often filling gaps in state and local support. The department oversees a variety of programs, including Head Start and school lunch programs, aiming to address disparities and support educational needs across the country.
Federal government overhaul:The White House is mulling the Education Department’s future. Trump has vowed to close it.
What happens if the Department of Education is eliminated?
Eliminating the Department of Education wouldn’t necessarily end federal education laws, but it would shift the administration of these programs entirely to the states. This could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable students.
For example, federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) would be provided to states as block grants, but without federal oversight, states and local school districts would have more freedom to use the money as they see fit. While federal funding currently covers 12-13% of special education costs, without accountability, there’s concern that the money may not be used to meet the needs of students with disabilities, according to a U.S News report.
Why does Trump want the Department of Education gone?
Donald Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate the Department of Education, claiming it has been overtaken by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.”
He argues that the agency wastes taxpayer money and oversteps by involving the federal government in local education decisions, The Associated Press reported. Trump’s push for the department’s closure is rooted in its perceived role in promoting liberal ideologies in schools.
Trump’s stance reflects a broader conservative view that education should be more directly controlled by states, reducing federal influence on what is taught in classrooms.
Can Trump eliminate the Department of Education?
President Donald Trump has proposed eliminating the Department of Education, but this would require congressional approval. Calls to abolish the department have been made before, including by President Reagan in 1981, though there was little support in Congress.
During Trump’s first term, his administration suggested merging the Education and Labor departments, but the proposal failed despite a Republican majority in Congress. With Republicans regaining majorities in both the Senate and House, the idea has resurfaced, though it remains uncertain if there will be enough congressional support.
How will Florida be affected if the Department of Education is abolished?
If the U.S. Department of Education were eliminated, Florida would be responsible for overseeing all federal education programs within the state, according to U.S News. While state-level policies could remain largely unaffected, federal funding for education programs like Pell Grants and special education would likely shift to block grants controlled by the state.
Florida’s state government would need to manage the programs, but federal accountability for compliance with laws like IDEA for special education would no longer exist.
What will happen to FAFSA if the Department of Education is shut down?
If the U.S. Department of Education were to be shut down, federal student aid programs like FAFSA wouldn’t necessarily end, according to U.S news. These programs could be transferred to another federal agency or managed by states. Federal student loans, for example, might move to the U.S. Department of the Treasury or private organizations. Pell Grants, however, are unlikely to be affected due to bipartisan support, but funding for other college access initiatives, like work-study or public service loan forgiveness, could face cuts in future legislation.
What will happen to student loans without the Department of Education?
If the Department of Education were dissolved, borrowers would still be required to repay their student loans. However, the absence of federal oversight could disrupt income-based repayment programs and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, according to the Miami Herald. Without the department, management of these programs could be transferred to another agency or privatized, potentially causing confusion or delays in processing, eligibility, and forgiveness.
Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today