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With much of the Education Department idled by the shutdown, schools are funded for now but losing guidance and facing looming gaps. Secretary Linda McMahon argues the slowdown proves the agency is unnecessary, even as no new grants or civil rights probes proceed and only 330 essential staff remain after layoffs and furloughs. Districts worry Head Start funding is uncertain and school meal reimbursements could run out in two months, and services for students with disabilities may stall. McMahon is advancing plans to shift functions to other agencies, including loans to Treasury and career education to Labor.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.