A bill recently filed in Congress—and supported by a corresponding executive order signed by President Donald Trump—calls for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education (DOED).

While framed as an effort to return authority over education to states and local communities, the implications of such a move could be deeply damaging, especially for students from low-income families.

The bill proposes shifting federal education funds to states in the form of block grants, allowing them to use the money “for any purpose” related to education—public or private. But missing from the bill’s initial text is any mention of Title I, the largest federal funding stream for K-12 education. Title I exists to support our most vulnerable learners—students from low-income families who rely on equitable access to resources and opportunities.

In California alone, federal funds account for nearly $8 billion of the K-12 education budget for the 2024–25 school year. This includes not only Title I funding, but also resources for students with disabilities (IDEA), English learners, teacher recruitment and training, wellness programs, and vital before- and after-school services.

The potential dismantling of the Department of Education raises urgent questions: What happens if these protections disappear? What’s at stake when funding meant to support equity can be redirected without guardrails?

At the Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Foundation, we are committed to advocating for policies that ensure all scholars—regardless of background—have access to a high-quality, inclusive education. We’re closely monitoring these federal proposals and will continue to inform and engage our community.

Now more than ever, we must stand together to protect the resources our scholars need to thrive.