Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond President | Official website of California Department of Education
Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond President | Official website of California Department of Education
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond met with members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C. to discuss strategies to counter efforts aimed at abolishing the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The department provides $7.9 billion annually to support California’s public schools, funding programs for low-income students, students with disabilities, and other underserved groups.
The meeting on Wednesday included about 20 members of Congress, among them Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. During discussions, delegation members emphasized their commitment to safeguarding public education and maintaining federal funding for California's students.
“Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education would have devastating consequences for public education, especially for students with disabilities and families in low-income communities,” stated Thurmond. “The stakes couldn't be higher. Every student deserves access to a quality education. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure the protections and resources guaranteed by federal law remain in place. I urge everyone to join this fight and make their voices heard.”
Thurmond plans a national outreach initiative targeting constituents across the country, focusing on rural areas, to raise awareness about potential losses in special education funding and other essential supports. This effort seeks to encourage communities to express their concerns to Congress and advocate for preserving these critical programs.
The ED plays a vital role in providing funding and oversight for initiatives like Title I for low-income students, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding for special education services, as well as civil rights protections under Title VI and Title IX. Thurmond warns that abolishing the ED would have irreversible impacts on the nation's educational system.
For more details on federally funded programs in California's public schools, visit the Categorical Programs section under "Federal Programs" on the California Department of Education’s website.
Media inquiries or interview requests can be directed to communications@cde.ca.gov.
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