Concerns Grow as Trump Proposes Shutting Down Education Department: What It Means for Special Needs Children

San Antonio, TX — President Donald Trump is following through on his 2023 promise to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move has divided opinions. Some people are worried about the impact on students, while others support the decision.

Ovidia Molina, president of the Texas State Teachers Association, expresses concern. She believes dismantling the department could harm all students, especially those who are most vulnerable. “Our special education programs are crucial for children with disabilities who need more assistance. Without the Department of Education, we might lose funding needed for these resources,” she said.

Meagan Kirk, a mother of eight, shares her fears about the loss of support. Three of her children have disabilities, and she worries about cuts to special education funding. “If the funding goes away, the training for special education teachers will also be cut. That training is vital,” she explained.

Kirk’s son Jett, who is eight, has been facing challenges lately. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor and is now homebound. “I can see programs being cut. They might think, oh, he’s too sick to come to school, so he’s probably too sick to learn. They might not want to pay a teacher to come to our house,” she said.

Kirk is also anxious about potential cuts to technology grants that helped her non-verbal daughter, Maddie-Joe, get a communication device. “That device is her way of speaking. Losing those grants would take away her voice,” she lamented.

On the other side, Kris Coons, chairwoman of the Bexar County Republican Party and a mother of a special needs child, supports Trump’s proposals. “I think we should wait and see what happens. Let’s not fear the unknown when we don’t have all the details yet,” she commented.

This situation is evolving, and many families are watching closely as the future of education hangs in the balance.

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