DEAR EDITOR:

Donald Trump’s executive order to abolish the Department of Education — a direct attack on students, teachers and families — is illegal.

Congress created the Department of Education; only Congress can eliminate it. But because Congress hasn’t stood up to Trump, critical programs that serve 50 million students will end — all so billionaires can keep getting massive tax breaks.

That means: crowded classrooms where kids don’t get the attention they need; slashed funding for special education, leaving students with disabilities without essential services; fewer mental health counselors and school nurses when the need is increasing; higher tuition and fewer pathways to college and career training; and ending civil rights protections safeguarding LGBTQ+ students, students of color and students with disabilities from discrimination and harassment.

According to Policy Matters Ohio (1) for Warren this would mean a loss of 28% of its budget including $9,857,000 in Title 1 funds for low-income students; $1,354,000 in IDEA funds for special education students; and $5,324,000 for school meals. For Youngstown it would mean a loss of 43% of its budget including $9,016,000 in Title 1 funds for low-income students; $2,154,000 in IDEA funds for special education students; and $3,689,000 for school meals.

This isn’t about efficiency or accountability. It’s about dismantling public education and selling out our kids to funnel more money to the ultra-wealthy. Congress must fight for the Department of Education. Tell your members of Congress to protect the freedom to learn and demand a safe, inclusive and fully-funded public education system for every child.

Federal funds are vital to Ohio’s public schools

SHERRY McMILLEN

Cuyahoga Falls