North Dakota education officials say services unaffected by federal staff reductions

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) has responded to questions about recent staffing reductions at the U.S. Department of Education, specifically within the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE).

According to the NDDPI, these federal staff changes have not impacted the services or support provided to North Dakota students with disabilities or those who benefit from programs run by OSEP and OESE. The department stated, "At present, nothing has changed regarding the implementation or delivery of services and supports for North Dakota students with disabilities or those benefiting from programs administered through OSEP and OESE."

The NDDPI also confirmed that all federal formula and discretionary grant funding from these offices for the current year has been received. The statement noted, "North Dakota has received all federal formula and discretionary grant money from these offices for the current year. That funding is already being distributed to our schools and partners, and the assistance is reaching students as intended."

The department emphasized its commitment to working with the U.S. Department of Education, saying, "We will work closely with the U.S. Department of Education and will continue to monitor any future developments that could affect program delivery, oversight, or technical assistance. As always, our priority is to ensure that North Dakota students, families, and educators experience continuity of support and access to the resources they need."

NDDPI indicated it will provide further updates if more information becomes available.