How North Dakota Schools Are Managing Federal Funding Cuts

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction said Friday that education services in the state remain unaffected despite recent federal staffing reductions tied to the ongoing government shutdown.

The department issued the statement following reports of furloughs at the U.S. Department of Education, including within the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE).

Those offices oversee critical funding and support programs for schools nationwide, including services for students with disabilities and low-income communities. According to the department, North Dakota has already received all federal formula and discretionary grant money for the current year.

That funding, officials said, is being distributed to schools and partner organizations as planned, ensuring resources continue to reach students. “At present, nothing has changed regarding the implementation or delivery of services and supports for North Dakota students,” the department said in a statement. “Our priority is to ensure continuity of support and access to the resources they need.”

While the department emphasized that no immediate disruptions are expected, it said it will continue working closely with federal officials to monitor potential impacts if the shutdown persists.

The partial government shutdown, now entering its second week, has led to temporary layoffs and limited operations at several federal agencies.

Education officials nationwide have voiced concern that prolonged closures could eventually delay grant processing, technical assistance, or program oversight if funding lapses extend deeper into the fiscal year.