A passionate rally took place in Mercer Friday evening where a few dozen people gathered to voice their opposition to a proposed elimination of the Department of Education. The Trump administration is considering the move, sparking concerns about the future of public education, especially for children in need.

Many of the protestors were retired teachers and held signs in their hands and chanted "Save the Department of Education."

They fear that without federal oversight, critical funding for public schools, special education, and student aid could disappear.

"A lot of the special education funding comes from the federal government, and as I was a special education teacher for most of my career, I'm worried about those kids that are in those programs that need the funding," Beverly Graham said. "I'm concerned that we won't be meeting every child's need, and I feel a little bit better about Pennsylvania because we do have a better emphasis on education than some states, but other states, I'm afraid those kids will just slip through the cracks."

President Trump wants to shut down the federal department and give broad control back to the states. But Critics say it could shift funding away from struggling public schools and into private institutions—which they say operate without the same accountability.

"It's going to take money from those schools that are already struggling, and it's going to put it into schools that are privately run, and most private schools don't have to have standards," Graham said. "They don't do standardized testing. There's no accountability with them. So, I really am afraid that it will be state by state, and it will be very arbitrary."

Many of the protestors say the consequences of eliminating the department could be devastating for students from low-income families.

"There are kids that come to school hungry and they can't learn," Nancy Bires said. "If they're sitting there with their stomach growling, they'll feel tired. They need support physically from us. They need meals, they need after school, programs, Head Start, Early Intervention Programs, and all that will be gone, and if we don't build that strong foundation with our children, that is going to really affect the future. So, that's why my sign says a strong education equals a bright future."

Higher education advocates say federal assistance plays a key role in helping students afford college.

"It definitely affects students to not have the resources that they need, and although the resources are funneled through the states, a lot of it originates in the federal government," Carolyn Steglich said. "So, for higher education, it's primarily financial aid. Students that stick around, most of them have some kind of financial aid. Pell grants from the federal government are a very important part of that, and that's already been under attack."

Organizer Judy Hines says she fears the lasting impact on communities across the country.

When the Department of Education is gone, then what will families do?," Hines said. "What will children do? What will our communities do? The Department of Education is the foundation for the future of our children."

For now, the Trump administration has not made a final decision on the executive order, but these protesters hope their voices will be heard before it's too late. It's also important to note, the president can't unilaterally shut down the DOE, it will also have to be approved by Congress.