Saturday, November 8, 2025
Long Island school districts are closely monitoring developments following reports that President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Hundreds of students flock the front steps after dismissal at Valley Stream Central High School.
Alice Moreno
Long Island school districts are closely monitoring developments following reports that President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
The proposed move, which is part of Trump’s broader plan to reduce federal involvement in education, could significantly impact school funding and resources across the region.
The Department of Education, created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, coordinates federal education programs and provides critical financial assistance to schools.
It supports a range of initiatives, including Title I funding for low-income students, special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Pell Grants for college students. For many Long Island districts, these federal funds are vital in maintaining educational services and addressing inequalities.
Long Island districts, including East Rockaway and Lynbrook, have expressed concerns about the potential loss of funding from the Department of Education. East Rockaway, for example, receives approximately $500,000 annually in federal support, while Lynbrook receives $1.2 million.
Not all Long Island districts are equally reliant on federal funding. The Merrick School District, for example, relies on federal funds for only 2 percent of its budget, while the Roosevelt Union Free School District depends on them for 13 percent. This disparity highlights the varying levels of financial vulnerability that districts may face if federal funding is reduced or eliminated.
In the event that the Department of Education is abolished, some federal programs may be transferred to other agencies or absorbed by state governments. However, it remains unclear how this would affect funding levels or the distribution of resources.
Some districts, like North Shore, which receives nearly $3.4 million in federal funding annually, are concerned about the potential loss of funds or the uncertainty of how those resources would be managed by the state.
North Shore’s federally funded lunch program, which serves over 1,600 students daily, could be jeopardized. In other districts, the loss of special education funding would impact students with disabilities, further exacerbating educational inequalities.
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed concern about the potential impact of federal cuts on New York State, which allocates $3.2 billion in federal funding for general education costs. Hochul has warned that the loss of these funds could lead to higher local taxes to make up for the shortfall.
School leaders have emphasized that, while funding is crucial, their focus remains on ensuring that students continue to succeed academically, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
“We remain committed to advocating for the resources and support necessary to maintain the high standards of education our district upholds,” said Lorna Lewis, Superintendent of Malverne Schools. “We will continue to assess any potential effects and adjust as needed, while carefully monitoring the situation.”
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