RALEIGH, N.C. — Many people are worried about the future of the U.S. Department of Education as the government continues to make cuts to federally funded agencies.

Politicians in Washington, D.C., are debating whether to dismantle the department, which could impact federal funding for public schools. Parents and educators in North Carolina are addressing those possible cuts.

Those impacted by federal funds delivered letters to Sen. Thom Tillis Wednesday, telling their stories, expressing why they believe this money is important for their children’s education.

What You Need To Know

  • The North Carolina Association of Educators said the state will receive $448 million in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding this year

  • According to the NCAE, this year North Carolina will receive $534 million in Title I funding

  • The NCAE said more than 750,000 students in North Carolina benefit from Title I funds from the U.S. Department of Education

Susan Book is a mother and advocate for public schools.

“My son is one of the more than 200,000 North Carolina students that benefit from the Individuals with Disability Education Act,” Book said.

She’s been fighting for student rights since her 14-year-old son Emerson was diagnosed with autism when he was in preschool.

Book said her son is in the Wake County Public School System.

She said her family has relied on state or federal funding to provide educational resources to her son. 

“My son has occupational therapy, speech therapy and a number of interventions,” Book said.

Book said parents of students with disabilities should not have to worry if resources will be available or not. 

She said she has already witnessed federal cuts to teacher programs, and she’s worried. 

“For parents of students with disabilities, just understand we're like every other parent out there. But our worries are deeper and with good reason,” Book said.“For parents of students with disabilities, just understand we're like every other parent out there. But our worries are deeper and with good reason,” Book said.

The North Carolina Association of Educators said the state will receive $448 million in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding this year and another $534 million in Title I funding.

Book said the current funding isn’t enough, but she couldn’t imagine having less than that. 

“This world wasn't built for my son, but with accommodations there is hope,” Book said.

Book and others said they want to see action from the senator’s office that ensures safety for federal funds for education and places a priority on students' rights.

The NCAE said more than 750,000 students in North Carolina benefit from Title I funds from the U.S. Department of Education. 

Those funds help support teachers, staff and resources for students.