MDE Launches Public Feedback Portal for Minnesotans Navigating Widespread Federal Education Cuts
Students, parents and teachers are invited to share their stories as President signs Executive Order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education
MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) launched a public feedback portal at education.mn.gov for parents, students, teachers, and community members to submit detailed accounts of the ways recent Executive Orders and abrupt federal education cuts are impacting schools and children across our state. The announcement comes as the President signed an Executive Order directing an abrupt dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, uprooting federal investments and supports for our schools.
“Instability and uncertainty are not strategies, but collaboration is,” said Commissioner Willie Jett. “In Minnesota, we know strong public education relies on policy decisions that are based on the real experiences of students, families, and educators. In the face of unpredictable federal action, MDE will amplify Minnesotans’ stories as we continue to advocate for the stability, resources, and policies schools need to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
More than 860,000 students in Minnesota depend on stable partnerships that have existed between their school communities, MDE and the U.S. Department of Education across administrations. For decades, the federal investments facilitated through those partnerships have played a key role in ensuring students in Minnesota receive the support they need to learn and thrive, including:
- $256 million for students with disabilities
- $192 million for students from low-income backgrounds
- $27 million for academic enrichment
- $6 million for students in rural schools
- $38 million to support children living on military bases or Native American reservations
- $100 million for Career and Technical Education workforce development programs
These investments provide critical resources for students with disabilities, early learning programs, broadband access, transportation, Career and Technical Education, and teacher training—all of which strengthen our schools, workforce, and communities.
On February 5, 2025, MDE requested information about potential changes to the essential programs and protections that are currently housed within the U.S. Department of Education, but to date, those questions have gone unanswered.
MDE remains committed to ensuring every child – of every background, zip code and ability – has access to a world-class education. Last week, Governor Walz and Commissioner Jett visited an elementary school in Fridley to highlight how the rapid dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education would impact Minnesota schools and families by uprooting access to supports students depend on every day.
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