Skip to content

- Federal Policy Watch -

Federal Policy Watch

Welcome to Federal Policy Watch, a regular blog series from OAESA designed to keep our members informed about federal decisions that directly impact PreK-8 education. These updates are provided by OAESA’s Federal Relations Representative, Dr. Nick Neiderhouse, and will highlight key policy developments, funding decisions, and national conversations shaping the work of school leaders. Our goal is to ensure you have timely, relevant information to navigate the shifting federal landscape with confidence and clarity.

Federal Relations Update -- April 2026

Federal Relations Coordinators Meeting

Sarah Abernathy, Guest Speaker

  • Sarah is the executive director of the Committee for Education Funding (CEF).
    • CEF is the nation's largest and oldest coalition of national Pre-K-12, higher education, and adult education associations.
    • CEF supports increased investments in federal education spending.
  • Sarah has worked at the Department of Education, the Office of Management and Budget, and the House Budget Committee.

Sarah Abernathy Analysis of FY27 Department of Education Budget Proposal, Interagency Agreements, and Appropriations Process

  • It is important to take everything this administration says literally but this budget will most likely not be enacted as is. 
  • There is a net $6 billion (13%) cut to K-12 programs
    • 29 programs are being consolidated or eliminated
    • Only seven existing K-12 programs would continue under this budget:
      • Title I
      • Special Education State Grants
      • Special Olympics
      • Impact Aid
      • Charter Schools
      • Indian Education
    • Other IDEA subprograms, except for Infants and Toddlers grants, would be rolled into the state grant account.
  • The reported cut to the Department of Education’s overall funding is actually much larger ($14.5 billion) than it appears because the administration added $10.5 billion to Pell Grants that was not provided last year.

Elimination and Consolidation of K-12 Programs

  • 17 existing K-12 programs totaling $8.5 billion would be eliminated.
  • The programs included major formula grant programs like Title II professional development, Title IV-A well-rounded education, and Title IV-B after school activities.
  • A new $2 billion state block grant called the "Make Education Great Again" (MEGA) grant would take their place.

Congressional Action

  • When Congress enacted the FY26 funding, it ignored the President's budget request and funded programs at almost exactly the same levels as the year prior.
  • Congress is not expected to enact these big funding cuts – even more so in an election year.

Summary of the Budget

  • The budget essentially eliminates almost every existing K-12 education program while putting in jeopardy the services that school districts and principals rely on funding for specific programs.
  • A new block grant would not make up the difference in funding and gives state leaders increased discretion in funding priorities.

Potential Government Shutdown

  • There is a "very good chance" of a government shutdown in November or December.
  • A shutdown does not impact K-12 education much because most funding is provided in July or October.
  • Higher education is affected by a late year government shutdown because colleges make offers and students make decisions based on student aid.
  • Impact Aid: Some schools rely on impact aid for a larger percentage of their budget than federal funding.

Advocacy Efforts

  • It is important to advocate to senators and representatives about education funding.
  • Members of Congress are compelled by anecdotes about the impact of cuts in their district.
  • Inviting members of Congress to visit schools or programs is powerful.
  • Members of Congress say that they only want to know data from evidence backed research, but they're really compelled by real-life stories about what goes on in their district.
  • Focus on programs that have bipartisan support or broad support, like after school programs, or that would impact your school budget directly.
  • Formula “title” grant programs go to most school districts.
  • Remember, the public supports increased funding for education.
  • Congress will have the ultimate say in budget decisions.
  • Consistent communication from constituents is needed to inform elected officials about the impact of budget cuts on local schools and communities.
  • More information about specific program cuts will be provided, and guidance on how to advocate for funding will be shared.

Interagency Agreements

  • Title I, Impact Aid, and charter schools are part of interagency agreements between the Department of Education and Department of Labor.
    • These programs will be managed by the Department of Labor.
    • It is unknown how many people from the Department of Education will move to the Department of Labor.
  • Indian Education will be run by the Department of Interior under a different interagency agreement.
  • This leaves Special Education and Special Olympics at the Department of Education for the time being. 
  • States and school districts will have to interact with multiple agencies.
  • It will be difficult to figure out grant administration portals, technical Assistance, and who to direct questions to.
  • Any delay or problems with Title I funding going out to states like was experienced last year’s withholding of Title II and Title IV funding would be a much more significant disruption to states and districts.
  • Other agencies do not have the same experience providing technical assistance on education.
    • The Department of Education's grants management platform was specifically built to handle grants to 4,000 universities and 50 state education agencies.
    • There are concerns that the Department of Labor's grants and management program will not be set up to disburse funding on July 1.
  • Democrats are strongly opposed to the interagency agreements because they are designed to dismantle the Department of Education.

Moving the Department of Education

  • The Department of Education is vacating its headquarters building and moving to a smaller space. The move will not happen till at least August.
  • This move is seen as a continuation of efforts to downsize and dismantle the department and make a future restoration more difficult.
  • The potential transfer of special education programs to either HHS or the Department of Labor is still under consideration but is facing pressure from disability and parental groups.

Assistant Principals Week 

  • Senator Durbin (IL) introduced Senate Resolution 658 to recognize this week as National Assistant Principals Week. It was co-sponsored by Senators Hirono (HI), Lujan (NM), and Heinrich (NM). 

Screen Time Discussion

  • Members of Congress are increasingly focused on student screen time, driven by growing public concern around technology use, social media, and emerging AI tools in schools. 
  • There is particular interest in understanding how screen time impacts student learning, behavior, and well-being at the local level.
  • Ohio: 
    • Implementation of cell phone bans using Yondr pouches has been described as “transformational.” 
    • Reported outcomes include: 
      • Decreased behavioral issues and tardiness 
      • Improved attendance 
      • Increased student engagement 

Key Takeaways on Screen Time

  • There is broad satisfaction with cell phone restrictions across the 35–36 states that have implemented them. 
  • The most notable resistance comes from parents who want direct, immediate access to their children during the school day. 
  • Awareness is increasing around the total amount of time students spend on devices, including both personal and school-issued technology. 
  • There is a growing need to: 
    • Define appropriate levels of screen time in educational settings 
    • Better measure and understand actual student device usage 
    • Balance instructional technology with student well-being and engagement

Federal Relations Archived Updates:

Questions can be directed to OAESA Federal Relations Coordinator: Dr. Nick Neiderhouse at nneiderhouse@rossfordschools.org

Scroll To Top