ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today visited an elementary school in Fridley to highlight the impact on Minnesota students and families as President Trump dismantles the U.S. Department of Education. Funding from the U.S. Department of Education provides critical resources to meet the needs of 2,500 schools and over 860,000 students in Minnesota. Photos from today’s event are linked here .

“Dismantling the Department of Education has nothing to do with improving outcomes for our kids, it’s simply about taking away resources for public schools. As a former teacher, I know that President Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education will do damage to our schools that will impact our kids for years to come,” said Governor Walz. “As President Trump and his billionaire-led administration slash resources for students, I’m going to fight back as hard as I can to make sure kids have access to food, education, and opportunity.”

Minnesota has a long-standing commitment to high-quality education and strong state-level policies that protect every child’s right to learn in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. For decades, federal investments have played a role in ensuring students receive the support they need to learn and thrive.

“Kids need stability,” said Education Commissioner Willie Jett. “These actions will have the biggest consequences in our rural communities, on students from low-income families, and on those needing special education services. The Minnesota Department of Education is still here, and we will continue to work hard to ensure every student, regardless of their background or circumstance, has access to a quality education.

As President Trump dismantles the U.S. Department of Education, key programs and longstanding protections for students and schools in Minnesota are at risk, including $256 million in funding for students with disabilities; over $192 million to support students from low-income backgrounds, and English learners; $27 million to support academic enrichment activities; $6 million in funding for students in rural schools; and $38 million to support children living on military bases or Native American reservations.

Disruptions to the U.S. Department of Education will also impact over $100 million in annual federal funding supporting Minnesota’s workforce development programs including career and technical education and workforce development and funding to expand employment and services for individuals with disabilities.

Cuts will impact students and families relying on financial aid supports and institutions receiving funding to increase access for low-income and first generation students. This includes $368 million in Pell Grants supporting 83,000 students in Minnesota and $27 billion in current and outstanding federal loans supporting the education of 789,000 Minnesota borrowers.

Competitive funds, including funding to support mental health and prepare mental health professionals to serve Minnesota schools, and funding to recruit and develop teachers and educators is also at risk.