On Friday, May 30, 2025 the White House revealed further details on its FY 26 budget proposal. Several programs are targeted for spending reductions and eliminations under a new K-12 Simplified Funding Program (SFP). The K-12 SFP merges 18 current competitive formula funding grant programs into one $2 billion formula grant program that the administration said will spur innovation and give states more decision-making power.
As reported by K-12 Dive, under the new plan programs that used to have dedicated line budgets — such as the McKinney-Vento grant to support students experiencing homelessness, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for before and afterschool learning programs, and the Title II, Part A program to support teacher effectiveness — would be consolidated in the K-12 SFP.
Some other programs are being recommended for defunding. Those programs include teacher and school leader incentive grants, the Supporting Effective Educator Development grant, the English Language Acquisition state grants, and full service community schools. Eliminating these programs would ensure fiscal discipline, reduce the federal role in education and give states more authority to make their own fiscal decisions, the budget document said.
Many of the proposed cuts are to programs that the Trump administration said are too “woke” or rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. For example, the White House said it wants to eliminate $315 million for Preschool Development grants that the administration said was a “push” to include DEI practices into early childhood programs. Another $77 million is recommended for cuts to Teacher Quality Partnerships because the grants were used to “indoctrinate new teachers,” the White House said. Equity Assistance Centers, which are funded at $7 million currently, would be eliminated because the technical assistance work includes divisive topics such as critical race theory, DEI, social justice activism and anti-racist practices, according to budget documents.
On a positive note, one program previously thought to be considered for elimination — the Head Start early learning program for young children — is now recommended for level funding at $12.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For more details from K-12 Dive, click here.