National PTA Denounces Continued Efforts to Eliminate the U.S. Department of Education

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (July 17, 2026)-This week, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Workforce advanced to the full House floor a package of bills that would codify the Administration's intent to dismantle the core functions of the U.S. Department of Education. National PTA President Dr. Bill Datema and National PTA Executive Director Howie Berman, MA, CAE, issued the following statement on the legislation:

"The actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education through mass staff layoffs, the redirection of funding and core duties, and now legislation remain a severe threat to public schools, students and families in our country. Our association continues to urge Congress to oppose any effort to dissolve the Department and instead take steps to ensure the Department is faithfully and effectively fulfilling its core duties. We encourage meaningful opportunities to be offered for the public to provide input on the Department of Education's operations and for the Department to collaborate with other federal agencies in a way that enhances its ability to serve our nation's children, families and schools.

"The U.S. Department of Education serves an important purpose within our nation's educational ecosystem, helping to guarantee that every child's potential can become a reality by promoting educational opportunities across communities. Since its inception, the Department has helped schools across the country open doors to students and better support their academic success and overall well-being. Today, programs and funding streams managed by the Department serve the students, families and schools that need it most, through programs like Title I, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program and more.

"As throughout our history, PTA remains steadfast in our commitment to advocate for policies, practices, programs and investments that promote educational equity and opportunity for all children because every child deserves access to a high-quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and thrive into adulthood. The federal government must play a role in fulfilling this promise, supplementing the ongoing work led by states and local communities to educate our nation's children."

National PTA's Board of Directors recently adopted a position statement on the Federal Government's Role in Education, outlining recommendations for improving the U.S. Department of Education and ensuring it continues to meet the nation's needs and serve all children, families and schools.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.