Central Illinois School Administrator Explains the Vital Role of the U.S. Education Department Amid Threats of Elimination

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – Local leaders are feeling uneasy about the possibility of the U.S. Department of Education being eliminated. This move comes from the Trump administration’s goal to shrink the federal government.

If Congress approves the proposed order, it would dismantle this federal agency. But attempts to do this have happened before. Trump points to the fact that the U.S. spends more on education per student than any other country, yet still ranks near the bottom in results. He believes that giving more control to states could improve education.

In Illinois, public schools rely on funding from local, state, and federal sources. Mark Jontry, the superintendent for schools in McLean, Livingston, Logan, and DeWitt Counties, highlights the important role the federal government plays. They provide grants and protections, such as support for gender equity, low-income services, and special education.

Jontry warns that if the Education Department disappears, many essential services could be jeopardized. He emphasizes that federal laws protecting students with special needs won’t vanish, but the oversight might change. This raises questions about how services would be managed without the department.

Most general education funding in Illinois comes from the state. For instance, 41% of Peoria Public Schools’ budget is from the Illinois State Board of Education, while 19% is from federal funds and 23% from local taxes.

Funding for Pre-K to 12th grade education makes up about 20% of Illinois’s budget. Recently, the Illinois State Board of Education approved an $11.4 billion increase to support schools across the state.

Jontry mentions that Illinois values local control in education. The state sets its own curriculum and learning standards but still relies on federal approval for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.

He notes that many are now waiting to see if the Department of Education will really be affected by these proposals. If the plan succeeds, students in higher education could face challenges regarding financial aid.

However, the Trump administration will need Congressional approval to move forward, which requires significant support in the Senate.

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