Ohio Parents Raise Concerns Over Trump's Proposed Education Cuts

Proposed budget would reduce federal funding for schools and special education programs

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:49am

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A dimly lit, cinematic school hallway with a lone student's backpack left behind on the floor, conveying a sense of melancholy and uncertainty about the future of public education.As federal education funding faces an uncertain future, Ohio parents worry about the impact on their children's schools and resources.Columbus Today

Ohio parents are petitioning their congressional representatives after President Donald Trump's proposed 2027 federal budget revealed hundreds of millions in cuts to education programs in the state. The budget plan targets funding for teacher development, English learners, rural schools, and student support, as well as consolidating disability education grants into block funding for states.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts have sparked worries among Ohio parents that schools may need to reduce staff, programming, and resources if federal support is diminished. There are also concerns that consolidating disability education grants could lead to uneven access to services across different states.

The details

Trump's 2027 budget proposal would decrease spending for public schools in Ohio by about $8.5 million, targeting programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs for English language learners. The budget also calls for creating a new 'Make Education Great Again' (MEGA) grant program that would consolidate most existing K-12 education grants.

  • Trump recently unveiled his proposed 2027 federal budget.
  • The budget proposal will now go to Congress for review.

The players

Parents United for Public Schools

An Ohio parent advocacy group that has launched a petition asking the state's congressional delegation to protect education funding in the federal budget.

Amanda Fontana

A central Ohio mom, legal advocate for families with disabled students, and local school board member who is concerned the proposed cuts will limit parents' ability to fight for their children's education needs.

Tia Underwood

An Olentangy, Ohio parent who worries that consolidating disability education grants into block funding for states could lead to uneven access to services across different states.

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What they’re saying

“At a time when many school districts are already facing budget uncertainty, federal funding must be protected. Our students need more opportunities, more resources and greater protections, not less.”

— Parents United for Public Schools, Parent advocacy group

“The moment you turn it into a block grant, you hand states permission to decide which children are worth the investment. That is not a budget cut. That is abandonment dressed up in policy language.”

— Tia Underwood, Parent

What’s next

Trump's budget proposal will now go to Congress for a thorough review before a final version is approved.

The takeaway

The proposed education cuts in Trump's 2027 budget have sparked concerns among Ohio parents that schools may face staffing and programming reductions, as well as worries that consolidating disability education grants could lead to uneven access to services across different states.