Huntsville City Schools warns loss of $33M in federal funding could impact teachers, special education, disability and low-income students.
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
(MARCH 25, 2025) –As President Donald Trump pushes forward with his plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, school leaders in Huntsville are sounding the alarm over the potential loss — or disruption — of more than $33 million in federal funding that supports local classrooms, special education, and lunch programs.
“There is no guidance from the state of Alabama on how this is going to work,” said Carlos Mathews, president of the Huntsville City Schools Board, during a March 20 town hall in west Huntsville. “If it comes to the state, is the state going to funnel that money down to us? Those things are still up in the air.”
Federal Funds Power Critical Programs
Huntsville City Schools relies on federal dollars to fund around 42 teaching positions and vital programs like Title I support for high-need schools, reading specialists, special education services, and free meals.
“Our Title I funding goes to many of our schools in need,” Mathews said. “What that money does is help reduce class sizes for our students.”
The district has a reserve budget that could cushion short-term delays. Still, Mathews acknowledged that longer-term funding disruptions could lead to difficult decisions, including possible cuts to course offerings.
Trump’s Order Sparks Debate Over Local Control and Student Impact
Trump’s executive order, signed Thursday, March 20th, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the department and redirect education funds to states and local governments. Though federal support for students with disabilities and loan programs is slated to remain, the move significantly reduces funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and other federal initiatives.
The order has drawn strong reactions from both sides of the aisle.
Britt and Strong Defend Local Control
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, both Republicans representing Alabama, praised the order as a long-overdue shift of power back to parents, communities, and local school boards.
“Educational decisions should be made at the most local level possible — starting with parents,” Britt posted on X (formerly Twitter). “President Trump and Secretary McMahon are putting students and families first. This is the way.”
In a separate statement, Britt added: “It is clear that our current education system isn’t working. For far too long, the Department of Education has catered to far-left bureaucrats at the expense of students and parents. Educational freedom opens the door to the American Dream nationwide.”
Britt, a mother of two school-aged children, has long advocated for school choice and parental educational rights. She argued that returning control to states and communities will “unleash innovation” and “remove political agendas from the classroom.”
Rep. Dale Strong, who represents Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, including Huntsville, echoed those views during remarks at Drake State Community and Technical College back in February 20, 2025.
“The U.S. Department of Education is a failed process,” Strong said. “They’ve never educated the first child. They don’t understand what the people want. Get that money out of Washington, D.C.”
He continued: “Let’s bring that money back to Alabama and let the local people decide how that money is spent. Who knows better what students in Limestone County, Huntsville, or Madison need — a bureaucrat in D.C., or the families and teachers on the ground in Alabama?”
Sewell, Figures Sound the Alarm
But not all of Alabama’s delegation is on board.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL7) blasted the executive order as “illegal” and dangerous for the state’s most vulnerable students.
“It wasn’t enough for this administration to go after our seniors, our health care, and our veterans. Now, Trump and Musk want to steal from America’s most vulnerable children to fund their tax cuts for the wealthy.
“Let’s be clear. The Department of Education DOES NOT control what our students learn. It DOES provide resources and support to help poor and disabled students get the education they deserve, and it serves as a watchdog to protect our students from discrimination in schools.
“One-third of Alabama’s public schools rely on Title I funding from the Department of Education. Without it, teachers will be laid off, class sizes will grow, and students will see fewer opportunities to get ahead.”
She added: “Trump’s illegal executive order will only widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots.”
Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-AL2) was more blunt in a viral social media post on X (formerly Twitter).:
“This is stupid. Eliminating the Dept. of Education in the middle of college application season, creating doubt about the academic futures of students across America from kindergarten through graduate study without even concepts of a plan is yet another reckless decision by Trump.”
Local Concerns: Loss of Oversight, Shift to Vouchers
Back in Huntsville, Mathews warned that Alabama lawmakers could reallocate education funds to private school voucher programs, such as those outlined in the CHOOSE Act without federal oversight. That could come at the expense of students who rely on reading coaches, classroom aides, and disability support services.
“If they take those restrictions away and move [the funds] to the states, that money could be used for multiple things,” Mathews said. “That could reduce the funding for local schools — for special needs students who need reading coaches and other support.”
Extracurricular programs are not expected to be affected, as they’re mostly funded by parents. However, capital project dollars — like those tied to Huntsville’s $600 million, 10-year school construction plan — cannot legally be redirected to cover operating expenses.
Looking Ahead
While Trump’s plan is far from final and may face legal and legislative hurdles in Congress, local school leaders say the time to prepare is now.
“We’re going to do everything we can to protect the programs that directly impact our students—especially the ones who need the most support,” Mathews said.
