What Happens If Federal School Funding Disappears? Vermilion’s Superintendent Weighs In

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, a move that could have far-reaching effects on school districts across the country. While the order’s legal standing and potential outcomes remain uncertain, local school leaders are already bracing for the possible consequences.

Vermilion Local School District Superintendent Dr. David Hile responded to questions about how such a change could impact students, staff, and funding in the district.

Federal Funding at Risk

According to Dr. Hile, federal funding accounts for approximately 4.8% of the district’s budget, amounting to $1.3 million. A significant portion of this—$510,000—supports the National School Lunch Program. If these funds were eliminated, the district would see a direct negative impact on Title I reading intervention, special education programming, and the school lunch program.

“And the state of Ohio is not going to send us a check for $1.3 million,” Hile noted. He also pointed out that Ohio’s governor is currently proposing a $103 million cut to public school funding while increasing funding for private schools by $500 million.

Potential Loss of Free and Reduced-Price Lunches

Currently, 40% of Vermilion students rely on free or reduced-price lunches. If federal funding is cut and the state does not take over the program, “there will be no free or reduced-price lunches—parents will have to pay for or pack student lunches,” Hile said.

Special Education in Jeopardy

The potential rollback of federal oversight and funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) could have a major effect on students with disabilities. While the district would continue providing necessary accommodations “to the extent possible,” a loss of Title VI funding would force reductions in staff, including intervention specialists.

Impact on Staff and Programming

“Eighty percent of our budget goes to pay salaries, pay for staff retirement, and pay for staff health insurance,” Hile explained. “Thus, our only recourse would be to reduce staff, which means reducing programming. This would completely pull the rug out from under public schools.”

State and Local Guidance Unclear

As of now, the district has received no guidance from state education officials. “They can’t do anything or give guidance until they are given specifics,” Hile said, adding that information has only been coming out “in dribs and drabs” based on Trump’s statements.

What Can the Community Do?

Hile described the current situation as “limbo” rather than a transition, noting that the Department of Education was created by Congress, meaning it cannot simply be eliminated by executive order. He anticipates legal challenges if such an attempt is made.

“If parents think it is important that the Education Department remain in place, and that federal education funding should remain in place, they might choose to write to the President and their federal representatives and express their concerns,” he said.

For now, uncertainty remains, but local officials will continue monitoring the situation and its potential effects on Vermilion’s schools.

Certainly! Here’s the full exchange formatted for your article:

Full Email Exchange Between Vermilion Daily and Superintendent Dr. David Hile

Email from Joe Jones, Vermilion Daily

Subject: Impact of President Trump’s Executive Order on Vermilion Local Schools

Dear Dr. Hile,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing about the potential impacts of President Trump’s recent executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Given the significance of this decision, I would like to understand how it could affect Vermilion Local School District and the students you serve.

I would appreciate your insights on the following questions:

Federal Funding: How much federal funding does Vermilion Local School District currently receive, and what percentage of the district’s budget does it represent? How might the loss or reduction of this funding impact school programs and operations?
Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Programs: How many students in the district rely on free or reduced-price meals? If funding and oversight for these programs shift to the state, what challenges might arise in ensuring continued access?
Special Education and IEPs: With the potential rollback of federal oversight and funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), how could this affect students with disabilities in Vermilion schools? What steps would the district take to ensure continued support for these students?
General Impact on Students and Staff: What are your main concerns regarding how this shift could impact teachers, staff, and overall educational quality in the district?
State and Local Preparedness: Has the district received any guidance from state education officials regarding how Ohio plans to address the potential loss of federal oversight and funding? Are there contingency plans in place?
Community Engagement: What can parents, educators, and community members do to stay informed and advocate for the district’s needs during this transition?

I understand this is a developing situation, and I appreciate any insights you can provide. If you are available, I would love the opportunity to discuss this with you further at your convenience. Please let me know a time that works for you.

Thank you for your time and leadership in our community. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Joe Jones
Vermilion Daily
440-434-9256

Response from Dr. David Hile, Superintendent, Vermilion Local Schools

Hi Mr. Jones,

As you stated, this is a developing situation, so I really cannot answer your questions definitively at this time, but I’ll do the best I can—with the caveat that this is all speculation at this point.

Federal Funding:

Vermilion’s federal funds, which account for 4.8% of our budget, come from the federal government, including the National School Lunch Program, which is $510K of our $1.3 million in federal funds. If federal funding is terminated, it will have a direct negative impact on Title I reading intervention, special education programming, and the lunch program. And the state of Ohio is not going to send us a check for $1.3 million. In fact, the governor is currently proposing cutting $103 million from public school funding in his budget proposal while giving an additional $500 million to private schools.

I wouldn’t even call it a transition, I’d call it limbo. No one can do anything until specific changes are made that are legal. The Federal Department of Education was created by Congress, so the President cannot destroy it with an executive order, and if he tries, there will be lawsuits aplenty, which will perpetuate this state of limbo. But, if parents think it is important that the Education Department remain in place, and that the federal education funding should remain in place, they might choose to write to the President and their federal representatives and express their concerns.