Impact of Federal Shutdown Could Ripple Through America’s Schools

As the federal government’s shutdown endures into its second week, the effects are rippling across the education landscape and could soon be felt in the nation’s schools.  

While some essential functions of the government have continued, others have halted. Other effects of the shutdown are not yet known.  A recent EdWeek article outlined some of the areas that could be impacted both during and after the shutdown: 

• Civil rights enforcement — Civil rights enforcement in schools will stop during a shutdown. 

• U.S. Department of Education workers — Layoffs of U.S. Department of Education workers could become permanent. 

• Impact Aid — Impact Aid – payment for districts with non-taxable federal land within their boundaries – could be disrupted. 

• Head Start — A contingency plan for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Head Start, doesn’t specifically note that Head Start will continue without interruption. The impact is not yet known. 

• Grants — New grantmaking, including soliciting applications and announcing new awards, will cease during the shutdown. 

READ the EdWeek article here.  

GO DEEPER with EdTrust:

Additionally, Congress will decide how much funding K-12 schools and colleges receive within the federal budget, according to a recent blog by EdTrust. Decisions about proposed funding levels from the Trump administration and House and Senate appropriators will impact not just students from low-income backgrounds and English Learners, but also higher education — including student aid, and child care for student-parents.  

These aren’t insignificant sums; they determine whether millions of students can stay in college, get enough time with faculty, afford childcare, or balance school with family obligations. Furthermore, the funding provided for education is essential for ensuring that millions of children across the country receive the academic, health, and support services necessary to learn, grow, and reach their academic potential. 

READ the full EdTrust blog: FY26 Budget: What’s at Stake for Students, Schools, & Higher Education