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Earlier this evening, on March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. While education funding is primarily provided at state and local levels, these federal changes could have real implications for North Carolina's schools and students.
As your State Superintendent, my priority remains ensuring every North Carolina student receives a high-quality education regardless of changes at the federal level.
While we do not have specific details on what this executive order will impact and how Congress will respond, we know what federal funding and services provide for North Carolina schools.
Almost 11% (10.9%) of funding for North Carolina's public schools comes from the federal government.
The more than $1 billion in federal education funding that North Carolina's public schools receive helps to provide educational services for students, including our most vulnerable students – those with disabilities and from low-income families – and supports various programs including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The salaries of more than 14,000 public school teachers and other educators (7.6% of all public school educators and staff in North Carolina) are paid with federal education funding.
The loss of federal education would not only be detrimental for public school students, especially students with disabilities and students from low-income families, but would also be detrimental to local economies. Public schools are:
- the single-largest employer in 44 counties,
- a top-3 employer in 85 counties, and
- a top-5 employer in all 100 counties.
The elimination of the Department of Education could delay grant processing, technical assistance and guidance for programs that serve our students.
In addition to seeking to close the U.S. Department of Education, the executive order seeks to "return authority over education to the States and local communities while "ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs and benefits on which Americans rely." It is too early to know how all of this will unfold. For example, while the funds that have been provided through various formulas (e.g., Title I funding and funding for exceptional children) remain in place, we have already seen the termination of competitive grants for certain activities such as teacher recruitment and retention.
It is also too early to know how these changes will impact the flow of federal funding. Indeed, the federal government's administrative capacity to efficiently distribute and oversee these funds is a growing concern. In addition, we are anticipating challenges on program implementation and compliance requirements.
Here at NCDPI, we are continuing to monitor federal executive orders and actions, maintain regular communication with districts and schools to understand and assist with immediate needs and concerns and advocate strongly for continued federal funding without disruptions through all available channels.
I recognize the uncertainty these changes create for educators and students who depend on federal programs and funding. NCDPI is committed to providing clear, timely information to districts as the situation evolves.
While we cannot control federal decisions, we can control our response to them. My commitment to you is that NCDPI will work tirelessly to help manage any impacts on our students and educators. I will also continue to keep our education community informed as we learn more about these changes and their implications.
My priority is for the 1.5 million students across the state and the schools, educators and people that support them. As we develop our strategic plan for the state, I am spending my time connecting with and listening to key partners, decision-makers and community members across this state. I encourage district leaders to reach out to NCDPI with specific concerns as we navigate this evolving situation together. I am confident that by working together - educators, families, communities and policymakers - we will continue to advance educational excellence for every student in our state.
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