What’s Happening to the Department of Education?

15 Jan 2026
What’s Happening to the Department of Education?

Video Episode

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Episode Notes

There’s been a lot of hubbub lately about the federal Department of Education—what’s changing, what isn’t, and what it all might mean for local schools. To start the year, let’s slow things down with the LTC’s Mindy Fiscus, a seasoned expert on the way Washington works.

We start with an overview on the Department of Education’s ongoing “redistribution”, and an examination of why moving responsibilities around is not the same as eliminating the department altogether.

Along the way, we’ll clear up a few misconceptions that have cropped up in the wake of these changes, including where education funding *actually* comes from and what’s happening (and not happening) to federal education dollars.

Finally, we zoom out on the whole scene to talk about what may come next for federal education policy and procedure. Mindy will share her advice for navigating uncertainty at a district level, and provide quick updates on key federal funding programs – E-Rate, the ongoing ESSER funding cliff, broadband investments, and more.

If you’ve been feeling confused, concerned, or just tired of trying to decode education news, this episode is here to help you make sense of what we know right now—and how to move forward in uncertain times.

Interview Guests

Mindy Fiscus | Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing, Learning Technology Center

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