CLPCCD Communications
CLPCCD Communications
As part of our commitment to keeping you informed about significant federal developments affecting education, we want to update you on the recent Presidential Executive Order aimed at restructuring the U.S. Department of Education and its potential implications for our district.
Overview of the Executive Order
On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to "facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities." While the complete dissolution of the department requires congressional approval, this order initiates significant steps toward decentralizing federal oversight of education.
Key Actions and Potential Impacts
1. Reallocation of Federal Functions: The executive order proposes redistributing essential functions of the Department of Education to other federal agencies. For instance, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is slated to assume responsibility for federal student loans, while the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would oversee special education and nutrition programs. These transitions may necessitate congressional action and could lead to disruptions during the implementation phase.
2. Budgetary Considerations: The Department of Education currently manages a budget of $268 billion, primarily allocated to federal student loan programs, special education funding, Title I grants for low-income schools, and enforcement of civil rights laws in education. The proposed dismantling raises concerns about the continuity and effectiveness of these critical services, especially for vulnerable student populations.
3. State-Level Implications for California: California receives substantial federal funding for various educational programs, including $1.5 billion for special education and nearly $3.3 billion under Every Student Succeeds Act. State officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have criticized the executive order as an overreach that could harm students and educators. Legal challenges and legislative actions are anticipated to counter the proposed changes.
We continue to closely monitor these developments, and we are actively engaging with state and federal education authorities to understand and mitigate potential impacts on our students, faculty, and staff. Our priorities include:
- Ensuring Continuity of Student Services: We are assessing how the proposed changes might affect federal student aid, special education services, and other federally funded programs critical to our community.
- Advocacy and Collaboration: We are collaborating with educational associations and policymakers to advocate for the interests of our district and the broader educational community during this transitional period.
- Communication and Support: We are committed to keeping our community informed about developments and providing support to navigate any changes resulting from the executive order.
We recognize that this news may raise questions and concerns. Please know that we are dedicated to advocating for our community and ensuring that educational opportunities and support systems remain robust and accessible.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and the broader community.
In Solidarity,
President Dyrell Foster, Las Positas College