FAQs About Federal Actions

WPS Joins Federal Lawsuit

(Updated 4/16/25)

Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has joined a lawsuit against the federal government due to our opposition to the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. WPS is concerned about the negative impacts on students and schools in Worcester and across the nation due to reductions in federal funding or services. This list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) addresses questions and concerns raised by our community.

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Worcester Public Schools join this lawsuit?

WPS joined the lawsuit to protect the interests of our students and schools. We are concerned about the potential loss of funding and resources due to the federal government's actions, which could harm essential services like instructional support, school meals and special education programs. WPS also objects to the executive branch’s ongoing defunding and dismantling of the Department of Education in an attempt to shut it down, which is outside of its authority. 

What specific actions by the federal government are concerning WPS?

The federal government eliminated about half of the 4,100 total employees at the Department of Education (DOE) last month and closed many regional offices, including the office in Boston. 

DOE provides a range of funding and services for school districts:

  • Title I funding provides support for districts with low-income students; in WPS, this funding is used for instructional programming and wraparound supports, among other services.

  • The DOE’s Office of Civil Rights investigates discrimination complaints and provides technical assistance to districts to ensure students and families receive the services for which they are entitled by law.

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available free appropriate public education eligible to children with disabilities and ensures special education and related services are provided to those children, supports early intervention services for infants and toddlers, and awards competitive discretionary grants. WPS has 5,900 special education students. 

  • DOE facilitates funding and technical assistance to career technical education programs through the Perkins Act. 

  • DOE facilitates funding for student loans and tracks data on academic achievement.

WPS is concerned about additional discussions or actions by the federal government that could negatively impact our students and families:

  • The Head Start early childhood program is funded through the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The Trump administration has indicated it may not include funding for Head Start beyond the current year. We are awaiting more information.

  • WPS has already received a $180,000 reduction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for school meals.

  • WPS is awaiting information about the release of frozen federal grant funding for five of 15 electric school buses the district intends to purchase.

How will the potential losses of funding affect my child?

It is not known at this time. The federal administration has not laid out a clear plan for its reductions nor how DOE’s responsibilities would be handled by other agencies. Additionally, we do not know what funding the federal government might eliminate unexpectedly.

Will this lawsuit cost Worcester taxpayers money?

No, the lawsuit does not cost Worcester taxpayers any money. Worcester is a “declarant” to the lawsuit — similar to a witness — and is not a plaintiff. As a declarant, we provide information to the plaintiffs about the impact of these potential reductions and how they would impact Worcester. The plaintiffs are the Somerville and Easthampton public school districts.

Shouldn't education be the responsibility of states and local communities, and not the federal government?

Public education is the responsibility of local school districts with support from the state and federal government. While local autonomy is crucial, state and federal agencies ensure equity in education across the state and the nation. As a country, we want to make sure all children are meeting similar standards and that all students have equitable opportunities for access to high-quality learning.