The federal government shutdown that began earlier this month has rapidly evolved from a fiscal standoff into a full-scale governance crisis, with sweeping implications for public education. The shutdown is being used to expedite mass firings of about 4,200 staff members across multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On a recent webinar, the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) reported that approximately 466 had been cut, including all but two senior level staff. The consequences are especially dire for oversight and enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as the administration moves forward with plans to dismantle and relocate special education functions amid a government shutdown.
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Michael Spurlin
ATPE
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