In an email to the school community on March 20 to address the recent executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hawn said that because PUSD only receives 1% of its funding from the federal government, Piedmont’s programs and services would not be affected by the recent move.
Dear PUSD Staff & Families:
I am writing to update you on news related to the Department of Education.
Today, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to “begin eliminating” the U.S. Department of Education. Acknowledging his limitations, he stated that abolishing the department would require congressional approval. However, he emphasized that his administration would take all legal steps possible to “shut down” the agency.
During his press conference, President Trump assured that key programs, including IDEA, Title I, and Pell Grants, would be preserved and reassigned to other departments. However, the executive order does not specify these programs or indicate which departments would assume responsibility for them.
The order itself provides limited details:
–The Secretary of Education must take all necessary steps, within legal authority, to close the Department of Education and return control of education to the states.
–Federal education funds must continue to be allocated in compliance with federal law and administration policy.
Because PUSD receives only 1% of its funding from federal sources, we do not anticipate any impact on our programs and services. I understand that this news may be concerning to some families, but please be assured that we remain committed to providing an outstanding education to our students.
We will keep families informed as new developments arise. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.