By Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains unwavering: ensuring the well-being and success of students.
While some may view these attacks as symbolic, the implications are real. The Department of Education plays a crucial role in supporting public schools across the country. It distributes federal resources and helps ensure that our schools are free from discrimination. The formal elimination of the Department of Education would require an act of Congress, which has not yet occurred. However, we cannot ignore the disruptions likely to result from the dismissal of nearly half of the department’s staff.
For now, there is no indication that Ventura County schools will experience an immediate loss of federal revenue. Federal funding accounts for approximately 10% of the total budget for our local schools, supporting services for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, students with special needs, and school meal programs. However, even if the funding remains intact, we anticipate potential delays and bureaucratic hurdles due to staffing reductions and disarray at the federal level. The most at-risk students stand to lose the most from any disruption.
Beyond funding concerns, the weakening of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is particularly troubling. This office serves as a safeguard against discrimination, ensuring that all students are protected under federal law. While California has strong state-level protections in place, not all states do. The erosion of federal oversight threatens to widen educational inequities, particularly for students in marginalized communities.
The current administration is also taking steps that threaten our efforts to create learning environments where all students are welcome and supported. Despite the campaign to turn DEI initiatives into political kryptonite, we must not shy away from their principles. We embrace the diversity of our student body, we strive to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities, and we work to make every child feel included and valued at school. I’m proud that my office recently presented our 5th annual Equity Conference, where 500 of your friends and neighbors from all walks of life came together to support the values that make Ventura County schools so special.
At a time when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.
Now more than ever, we urge parents, business leaders, and community members to stand in solidarity with our schools to fill the crater of the meteoric attacks on our public education system. Get engaged at your local school sites. Volunteer in classrooms, mentor students, or serve on advisory committees. Your voice and involvement help preserve the programs and opportunities that students rely on every day.
The attacks on public education cannot be allowed to erode the foundation of learning and opportunity in our country. Despite the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Ventura County’s schools will continue to provide the best possible education for our students, preparing them for bright and successful futures. Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy, a reflection of our nation’s values, and a pathway to a better future for all.
This column appeared in the Ventura Count Star on April 1, 2025