All Things Considered

Minnesota school districts brace for federal Education Department cuts

department of education building
The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Nov. 18, 2024.
Jose Luis Magana | AP

Since the U.S. Department of Education was founded in 1979, people have tried to dismantle it.

This week, the Trump Administration got the OK to do so from the Supreme Court. And massive cuts to federal education funds are already in the works.

So what does this all mean for Minnesota schools and students? MPR News host Emily Bright spoke with Matt Hillmann, Superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, for his perspective.

Hillmann said the district was already facing cuts of about $6 million due to declining enrollment. Now they’re facing even more challenges.

“I think the bigger part of the dismantling of the Department of Education right now is the uncertainty and instability that creates, and that uncertainty is really troubling for people,” Hillmann said.

Press play above to listen to their conversation.