Wisconsin Educators are worried about the future of federally funded programs as President Trump moves to dismantle the Department of Education. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin schools receive $841.9 million in federal funding. $568.2 million comes directly from the Department of Education and $237.6 million comes from the Department of Agriculture. According to Wisconsin State School Superintendent Jill Underly, most school districts, around 10% of their budget comes from federal funds, while more rural or high poverty areas could be getting upwards of 15 to 20 percent. Underly says the department funds programs like special education, support for homeless youth, literacy interventions, and career pathways. Funding from the Department of Agriculture goes towards school meal programs. If the Department of Education disappears, Underly says state and local governments would likely have to fund the programs instead.
