Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon has redirected federal education funds to expand charter school grants while increasing support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). The plan allocates nearly $500 million to the institutions and $160 million to strengthen history and civics programs. Public school advocates have cautioned that the funding shift could divert critical resources from traditional public school districts.
The ED noted that they repurposed funds from grant programs “that the Department determined are not in the best interest of students and families.” McMahon framed the move as an expansion of school choice.
The ED stated, “Following the release of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, which showed dismal educational outcomes across the nation, the Department plans to award grants totaling $500 million for charter schools to support education choice in fiscal year 2025.”…