Dismantling the DOE and it's effect on CPS and our students

I've been thinking a lot about the recent moves to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE) and what that could mean for our public schools, especially here in Chicago. So, let's break it down together.

Federal Support in Our Schools

Our Chicago Public Schools (CPS) rely on federal funds for various programs. For instance, CPS was allocated $1.8 billion from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) as part of the American Rescue Plan. This money has been crucial for COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Additionally, CPS received a $20 million grant to fund 50 low- and zero-emission buses, aiming to improve air quality and student health.

Overall, during the 2021-22 school year, public schools in Illinois received 10.6% of their funding from the federal government, amounting to about $2,500 per student.

But digging even deeper into the potential impact of dismantling the DOE on our Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Let's chat about some specific programs that could be affected:

Head Start

Head Start offers early childhood education to low-income families, aiming to prepare kids for school. In Chicago, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) distributes significant federal funds to community-based agencies for early learning services. This includes over $80 million for Head Start and $25 million for Early Head Start. Without DOE support, these essential programs might face cuts, impacting our youngest learners.

School Meal Programs

CPS participates in federally funded Child Nutrition Programs, ensuring students receive nutritious meals. These include the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, and after-school snacks and meals. Annually, CPS serves about 75 million meals to over 400,000 students. The loss of federal funding could jeopardize these programs, leaving many children without reliable meal sources.

Specialized Care for Students with Disabilities

Federal funds support special education services for students with physical and learning disabilities. For example, CPS collaborates with federal Head Start grant recipients to provide inclusive special education in community-based early childhood settings. Eliminating the DOE could reduce funding for these vital services, making it harder for schools to meet the needs of all students.

The impact of these cuts would likely hit hardest in low-income neighborhoods, where families rely heavily on federally funded programs. Schools in these areas might struggle to replace lost funds, leading to reduced services and widening educational disparities.

Trump and Musk suggest that dismantling the DOE would reduce bureaucracy and return control to states and local districts, potentially leading to more tailored education systems. However, critics argue that without federal oversight and funding, disparities between wealthy and underfunded schools could grow.

As a community, it's crucial to stay informed and advocate for the resources our students need. Let's continue to support our schools and ensure every child in Chicago has access to quality education.

Stay strong, Chicago.

R.G. Dawson outlines for us what the DOE does and doesn’t do.

We know that it is about to happen. The total demise or an extreme modification to the Department of Education. But here is a good summary with talking points if you encounter people who think we don't need the DOE.

What the DOE DOES:

Protects students with disabilities – Enforces IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Without this, schools could refuse accommodations to kids who need them.  

Ensures equal access to education – Enforces Title IX (protecting students from sex discrimination), Title VI (protecting students from racial discrimination), and laws ensuring English language learners and low-income students get a fair shot.  

Provides federal education funding – Sends billions to public schools, Title I schools (low-income students), special education programs, and Pell Grants for college students.  

Oversees federal student loans– Manages programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, and loan relief programs (yes, the ones you cheered for).  And it’s said you’ll still be responsible for paying the loans you’ve already taken out regardless of if the DOE gets disbanded

Holds schools accountable– Investigates discrimination, ensures civil rights laws are followed, and prevents fraud in higher education (like scam colleges that take your money and leave you with useless degrees).  

Supports teachers and education research – Funds initiatives to improve teaching methods, early childhood education, and STEM programs to keep our kids competitive globally.  

What the DOE DOES NOT Do: 

Does NOT control what your kids learn – State and local school boards decide curriculum, textbooks, and what’s taught in history or science class. The DOE doesn’t force any particular agenda on schools.  

Does NOT run public schools – Schools are managed by states and local districts—NOT the federal government.  

Does NOT hire or fire teachers – Teacher salaries, hiring, and qualifications are determined by state laws and local school boards.  

Does NOT mandate Common Core – That’s a state decision. The DOE doesn’t force states to adopt any particular education standards.  

Does NOT regulate private schools – Private and religious schools operate independently, and while some federal protections apply, the DOE doesn’t dictate how they run.  

Does NOT set tuition prices for colleges – Public universities are funded by **state governments**, and they set their own tuition. The DOE only provides federal aid and loan programs.

 Note: This information is based on recent reports and may evolve as the situation develops.