As discussions around a potential shutdown of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) grow, many are voicing their concerns about the consequences, particularly for early learning programs, childcare workers, and taxpayers.
One such program, Seedlings to Sunflowers in Gorham, directly receives federal funding for its public pre-K program. The nonprofit offers daycare and early childhood education across two separate facilities. Program Director Charlotte Jacobs, who works with children ages three and four, said the possibility of a shutdown or changes to the DOE is worrying for the future of their services.
Jacobs is passionate about childhood education, calling it her life’s work. “The kids we serve make my world go ’round,” she explained. However, Jacobs is concerned that a disruption in federal funding could severely impact their ability to provide education. “Dismantling the DOE would be short-sighted and inhumane,” she said. “Our society depends on investing in children, and if we don’t, we’ll face significant challenges.”
Seedlings to Sunflowers serves nearly 100 children, with 20 enrolled in the public pre-K program funded by the DOE. The nonprofit receives $8,000 per student in federal funding each year. Any interruption to this funding could result in a $160,000 deficit, a financial burden Jacobs said they cannot easily absorb. “We can’t just come up with that money,” she said. The school relies on community fundraising to avoid increasing tuition fees or cutting back on staff.
Jacobs warned that if federal funding were to be lost, parents might face higher tuition rates or, in the worst-case scenario, the closure of the public pre-K program.
The concern over federal funding is not limited to Seedlings to Sunflowers. Many head start programs and public schools rely on the DOE’s support, and potential shifts in federal funding are leaving some wondering how these programs will cope.
Melissa McCue McGrath, a taxpayer, parent, and active community member in Kennebunk, is particularly concerned about the financial impact. She monitors the funds allocated to her local school district, RSU 21, which received substantial federal support last year. Despite this, the district’s total budget reached nearly $60 million.
“If the DOE stops funding state education departments, we will see taxes rise significantly,” McCue McGrath said. “It will become harder to fund schools, and every child will be affected.”
Some Republican lawmakers have voiced support for eliminating the federal agency altogether, arguing that too much money is spent at the federal level. Maine Republican Representative Barbara Bagshaw, for example, has expressed frustration over the state’s education performance despite significant increases in funding.
Bagshaw highlighted that Maine’s educational rankings have declined, despite a 71% increase in state education funding over the past 20 years. However, she noted that public schools still depend on federal funding to fill financial gaps.
“We need to focus on improving Maine’s education system, not on what’s happening in Washington,” Bagshaw said.
The 2024 Kids Count national data profile reveals concerning statistics about student performance. The data shows an increase in fourth graders not proficient in reading, eighth graders not proficient in math, and high school students not graduating on time. Additionally, fewer young children, particularly those ages three and four, are enrolled in pre-K programs.
The 71% increase in funding that Bagshaw refers to has been spread over two decades. During this time, rising living costs, wage increases for educators, and the growing need for academic accommodations have all contributed to higher education costs. Additionally, the demand for mental and emotional support services in schools has further increased funding requirements.
Maine has long struggled to provide sufficient access to childcare and early learning programs, especially in rural areas. Jacobs stressed that any interruptions in federal funding could lead to the closure of crucial programs that help young children develop foundational learning skills, which are essential for their future academic success.
She also expressed concern that the uncertainty surrounding the DOE could cause more educators to leave the profession, exacerbating the existing shortage of teachers. “It’s already difficult to recruit educators, and a shutdown will only make things worse,” Jacobs said.
In conclusion, a potential shutdown of the U.S. Department of Education could have significant consequences for early learning programs, public schools, and communities across the country. With many programs depending on federal funding to operate, the uncertainty is leaving parents, educators, and taxpayers concerned about the future of education.
