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McAllen ISD staff flag uncertainty after executive order targeting U.S. Department of Education; districts told to monitor funding
Summary
A district legislative update summarized a recent executive order directing changes at the U.S. Department of Education and a continuing resolution that preserves most federal education funding through September; staff warned districts to watch for allocation and regulatory changes affecting programs such as Title II and Perkins CTE.
A staff legislative update at the McAllen ISD budget workshop summarized recent federal activity that could change how some education funds are allocated and administered, and urged monitoring of guidance from federal and state authorities.
"President Trump issued an executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education," the presenter said, describing an order that would begin a phased transfer of some programs and functions to states while aiming to preserve continuity for core services such as special education.
Why it matters: staff said the executive order and related federal actions create uncertainty about future allocations for districts, particularly for programs that have supplied substantial federal support in recent years. The presenter noted a continuing resolution that currently preserves most federal education funding through September, which would cover the 2025–26 school year for planning purposes.
Programs at risk and next steps Staff called out a $290 million reduction in federal education funding referenced in the presentation and identified Title II and Perkins CTE as programs that could be affected. The presenter said the district will continue working with federal partners to draw down allocated funds and will monitor guidance to identify at-risk programs and plan alternatives.
"There is a bit of uncertainty surrounding that," the presenter said of potential state-level redistribution of former federal functions. Staff asked trustees to note that if federal funds are routed through states there could be changes to allocations or regulations; they pledged to provide updates as federal and state guidance develops.
Ending: staff said the district will continue to monitor federal and state actions, advocate for entitlements and report back to the board if allocations or rules change.
