How Trump’s Education Plans Might Affect Illinois Schools

President Donald Trump has vowed to shutter the U.S. Department of Education, a move that could carry many implications for state and local governments, school districts, colleges and universities, as well as families and children who rely on these institutions.

Trump cannot dismantle the Education Department unilaterally or by executive order

Trump cannot just close the Department of Education — or any other federal agency — through an executive order. That’s because Congress created the department and would have to shut it down.

There are some early efforts in the U.S. House to dissolve the agency, but their prospects for passing both chambers of Congress are uncertain.

The same goes for Title I, which distributes funding to schools serving high percentages of economically disadvantaged students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which mandates a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities. Both laws are administered through the Education Department but were created by Congress and would need to be repealed.

Most of the funding for Illinois schools comes from state and local sources — not the federal government

If Trump’s attempts to limit federal education funding were eventually successful in Congress or by other means, Illinois and Chicago wouldn’t lose the majority of their education revenue. But they would be hurt.

Most school funding comes from local property taxes and the state.

This school year, for example, federal funding makes up about 16% ($1.3 billion) of the $8.4 billion Chicago Public Schools operating budget.

Curriculum decisions are made locally, but there are ways classrooms could feel the Trump actions

Trump’s views on what should be taught in public schools likely won’t have as big an effect in Chicago or Illinois as in right-leaning states, where curriculum battles have already been underway for several years.

That’s because decisions about school curricula are almost entirely made at the local level.

The Department of Education can issue guidelines, but states, cities and school districts routinely follow their own ideas.

Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education could make college financial aid harder to get — and decreases the odds of debt cancellation

Illinois residents owe more than $63 billion in federal student loan loans, which are overseen by the Education Department. Some borrowers were hoping their debt might disappear, but they are probably out of luck.

All together, the department manages more than $1.6 trillion in federal student loans through contracts with third-party loan servicers — and experts say that debt is not going anywhere. Trump has, in general, taken a hardline stance toward student loan borrowers and loan cancellation.

Efforts by Trump to end DEI programs on college campuses are under review at local universities

As part of an executive order released during his first week in office, Trump threatened to investigate universities with endowments greater than $1 billion that engage in diversity, equity and inclusion work. Public and private universities in Illinois receive federal funding through financial aid programs for students and through funding for research.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education could have significant implications for Illinois schools. While most school funding comes from state and local sources, the department plays a crucial role in administering federal education funding and programs. If the department is shuttered or significantly scaled back, Illinois schools could face significant funding cuts and disruptions to programs and services.

FAQs

Q: Can Trump unilaterally shut down the Department of Education?
A: No, Trump cannot close the Department of Education without congressional approval.

Q: What would happen to federal education funding if the department is shut down?
A: If the department is shut down, federal education funding could be maintained by other government agencies, but the process could be slower and more bureaucratic.

Q: Would curriculum decisions be affected by Trump’s plans?
A: While Trump’s views on education could influence federal policy, curriculum decisions are primarily made at the local level.

Q: How would Trump’s plans affect college financial aid and student loans?
A: If the department is shut down, borrowers could face challenges accessing federal student loans and repayment programs, and debt cancellation options could become less available.

Q: Are universities in Illinois affected by Trump’s executive order on DEI programs?
A: Yes, universities in Illinois with endowments greater than $1 billion may be subject to investigation and potential penalties if they engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.