Calls to eliminate the federal Department of Education has school districts in the valley weighing what such a drastic change would mean for the programs that department oversees. 

Schools use the federal funding to help fund programs that support low-income students, money for school meals and accommodations for students with disabilities.

While some superintendents are more worried than others, they all agree the situation creates uncertainty.

The Department of Education funds many programs that help schools across the valley. 

For example, Because of Title I Funds from federal funding, the Warren City School District has a school wide program designed to help students in low income families. 

The district also gets funding to help families pay for school lunches.

“First and foremost, you can't educate a child if they don't have the proper nutrition. And since we have such a high poverty rate in some of our children, those are the only meals they're getting,” said Karen Sciortino, treasurer of Warren City School District.

While there are conversations about eliminating the Department, there is no certainty that schools will lose federal funding. Regardless, districts are preparing.

“We're just basically trying to be prepared as much as we can. We sit down as a team and discuss all of our federal dollars, where things are allocated. And then ultimately we are going to have to figure out if we do lose any type of funding, where we can replace that funding for those programs,” said Brian Knight, superintendent of Liberty Local School District.

Pete Pirone, Struthers City School District superintendent, said about 20% of their budget is from federal funding. This is leading to a lot of uncertainty.

“So really it's a day by day, and we just make decisions as if the money is still there because at this point there has been no talk that the money will be cut if the department is cut,” said Pirone.

Edwin Baldwin, Superintendent of Joseph Badger School District, said a loss of federal funding would be devastating for the district.

“It amounts to approximately $750,000 annually. In real terms, that is what we pay seven teachers.  I shudder to think of the negative impact this will have on our community and students,” said Baldwin.

When asked if he had any concerns about the potential loss of the Department of Education, Matthew Bohen, Campbell City School District superintendent, sent 21 News this statement: 

"The abolishment of the U.S. Department of Education would have serious consequences for Campbell City Schools and districts nationwide. Federal funding supports critical programs like special education (IDEA), Title I for low-income students, and free and reduced meals. Without these funds, schools would struggle to provide essential services, shifting the financial burden to local taxpayers. Losing federal support would widen disparities between wealthy and underfunded districts, forcing communities to make difficult budget decisions. Local taxes could increase to cover lost funding, or schools may face staff reductions, larger class sizes, and fewer resources for students."

 

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