This week, the National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) joined 16 other national organizations in signing a joint letter to Congress opposing deep cuts that are proposed in the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Education budget. These cuts would deeply undermine critical programs that meet children’s learning needs, including those that center family and community voice in our nation’s schools.
The letter was released by the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE). NAFSCE convenes the National Alliance for Family Engagement and coordinated this effort to speak up for programs that support parent leadership, student success, and stronger school-community connections. NPLI is a proud Alliance member.Â
The letter was sent to the chairs and ranking members of the Appropriations Subcommittees in both the U.S. Senate and House. It urges lawmakers to reject the proposed dismantling and defunding of critical initiatives, including Full-Service Community Schools, Statewide Family Engagement Centers, Parent Training and Information Centers, and others. These programs have long helped families navigate education systems, strengthened school-community partnerships, and supported the success of children, particularly those with disabilities or who are learning English.
If enacted, the proposed budget would eliminate or significantly reduce funding for these programs and reallocate the remaining funds into block grants through a new “K-12 Simplified Funding Plan.” This plan would reduce federal investment in these areas by over 70 percent and force programs to compete with one another for limited dollars. In some cases, entire programs would disappear altogether.
As a national organization that champions the leadership of parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community leaders, NPLI witnesses firsthand the critical importance of these supports. We’ve seen how parent leaders across the country have stepped up to serve on school boards, advocate for local change, and build partnerships that transform schools. These family and community leaders rely on these programs to gain access to tools, knowledge, and opportunities that make this work possible.
The joint letter calls on Congress to preserve dedicated funding lines for family engagement, ensure continued support for students with disabilities and English learners, and uphold the bipartisan legacy of supporting parent and community voice in education.
We’re proud to stand with fellow organizations in this effort. You can read the full letter and see the list of other member organizations here: https://npli.me/yd0y8 – Please note that this letter is currently only available in English.
We encourage you to share this letter and continue to speak up about the importance of keeping families at the heart of education.
