The Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education

On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order setting the stage for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). This move has sent shockwaves through the education community, leaving teachers, administrators, and district leaders with pressing questions about what comes next. While supporters see this as a long-overdue return of power to states and local governments, critics worry about funding gaps and widening school disparities.

The process of dismantling the DOE won’t happen overnight. Congress will still need to approve parts of the transition, and it’s likely to face legal and political hurdles. In the meantime, key responsibilities are being reassigned to other federal agencies and state governments. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for educators on the ground.

Where Are Key Education Programs Going?

Special Education Moves to HHS

One of the biggest changes is the transfer of special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been appointed to oversee these programs, including federal child nutrition initiatives.

This shift raises big questions for educators working with students with disabilities. Will HHS continue enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as rigorously as the DOE did? How will funding be distributed? Many teachers and parents worry that without dedicated federal oversight from an education-specific agency, services for students with special needs might be at risk.

Student Loans Handed to the Small Business Administration

Another surprising move is the transfer of federal student loan management to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The idea is that since the SBA already manages financial assistance programs, it can handle student loans more efficiently. But many in higher education worry about what this means for repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs, and access to funding for lower-income students.

What Happens to Federal Education Funding?

Perhaps the biggest question for K-12 educators is: What happens to funding?

Instead of the DOE distributing money directly to schools through programs like Title I (for low-income students) and IDEA (for students with disabilities), funds will now be issued as block grants to states. This means that each state will decide how to allocate federal education dollars.

The Risks and Realities of State Control

For some states, this could be a win—allowing them to tailor funding to local needs. But for others, particularly those with weaker tax bases or historically underfunded school systems, this shift is deeply concerning. Without federal oversight, there’s no guarantee that states will maintain funding levels for vulnerable student populations.

Educators in underfunded districts are especially worried. Will states prioritize public schools, or will funding be redirected toward private and charter school initiatives? Without clear guidelines, the future of equitable school funding is uncertain.

How This Affects Teachers and Schools

Teacher Pay and Job Security

With funding decisions now in the hands of state governments, teacher salaries and benefits may vary even more than they already do. Some states might invest in higher pay, while others facing budget shortfalls could freeze wages or even cut teaching positions.

Many teachers are also concerned about program cuts. If states choose to divert funds elsewhere, programs like special education support services, early childhood education, and after-school programs could be at risk. The loss of federal oversight means that funding for these initiatives is no longer guaranteed.

School Resources and Classroom Impact

Without federal funding guarantees, resource gaps between wealthy and low-income districts could grow wider. Well-funded states may continue to thrive, while schools in lower-income areas could struggle to afford updated textbooks, technology, and student support services.

What’s Next?

Congressional and Legal Challenges

Though the executive order sets the stage, fully dismantling the DOE will require congressional action. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are preparing for heated debates, and advocacy groups are likely to challenge aspects of the plan in court.

For now, educators should keep a close eye on state education policies. With the DOE stepping back, state governments will have more control than ever over school funding and policy decisions.

How Educators Can Stay Engaged

As this transition unfolds, staying informed is crucial. Teachers and administrators should actively participate in local education policy discussions, reach out to state legislators, and advocate for their students. Joining professional organizations and teacher unions can also help educators navigate these changes and push for policies that support strong public schools.

Final Thoughts

The dismantling of the Department of Education marks a seismic shift in American education policy. Whether it leads to greater local control or deeper inequities will depend on how state governments handle their new responsibilities.

For educators, the road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: staying informed and engaged will be key to ensuring students and teachers don’t get left behind.

CBS News 24/7 is the premier anchored streaming news service from CBS News and Stations that is available free to everyone with access to the internet.

Subscribe to edCircuit to stay up to date on all of our shows, podcasts, news, and thought leadership articles.