Dear JNPSD Staff, Families and Community Members,
As we plan ahead for the future of education in our District, I want to update you on the recent Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Education Budget Request and how it may impact our schools, staff, and most importantly, our scholars.
This budget proposal reflects a significant shift in how federal education funds are managed. The plan emphasizes local and state control over education decisions, while continuing to support critical areas such as Title I funding, special education, and career pathways that directly affect our students and families. At the heart of this plan is the creation of a new Simplified Funding Program, which will give Arkansas and districts like JNPSD more flexibility to meet the unique needs of our scholars—without the burden of navigating complex federal grants. While we welcome increased autonomy, we will also advocate to ensure that every scholar continues to have access to the programs and supports they need to thrive.
I want to reassure you that we remain focused on our district’s mission to empower all scholars for college, career, and life success. We are committed to educational equity, academic excellence, and student-centered leadership. As we review how this federal budget may influence our local decisions, your voice—as parents, guardians, and community partners—remains essential. We will continue to keep you informed and engaged as more details emerge, and we appreciate your partnership in providing a world-class education to every scholar in JNPSD.
Superintendent’s Summary: FY2026 Federal Education Budget Highlights
The U.S. Department of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request outlines major changes that could impact schools nationwide, including those in JNPSD. Here are the key points you need to know:
What’s Being Maintained
● Title I Funding ($18.4 billion): Continued support for schools serving students from low-income families.
● Special Education Funding ($14.9 billion): An increase in funds to support services for students with disabilities, offering more flexibility to states.
● Charter School Grants ($500 million): More funding to create or expand high-quality charter schools.
● Career and Technical Education ($1.4 billion): Maintained investment to prepare students for skilled trades and high-demand jobs.
● Pell Grants ($30.2 billion): Preserved funding for college-bound students, though the maximum award will decrease slightly.
Major Changes Proposed
● Elimination of the Federal Department of Education: The proposal aligns with a broader initiative to return control of education to states and local communities.
● Simplified Funding Program (K–12 SFP, $2 billion): Consolidates 18 smaller education programs (including after-school programs, teacher development, and student enrichment) into one flexible grant given directly to states.
● Reduced Red Tape: States and districts would have more autonomy, with less federal oversight and fewer competitive grant applications.
Programs Eliminated or Consolidated into K–12 SFP
● 21st Century Community Learning Centers
● Teacher & School Leader Incentive Grants
● English Language Acquisition
● Arts in Education
● Gifted and Talented Programs
● Rural Education
● Full-Service Community Schools
● Many literacy and support programs for vulnerable student groups
Focus Areas
● Parental Choice: Increased emphasis on education options and school choice for families.
● Reading Proficiency: At least 7.5% of the new K–12 grant funds must support literacy instruction.
● Workforce Readiness: Strong support for connecting students to real-world careers through technical education and apprenticeships.
Click HERE to read the complete 58-page 2026 federal budget summary.