How the federal shutdown will impact K-12, higher education

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The federal government shutdown that began Wednesday is expected to cause limited immediate disruption for Alabama schools and colleges, though state officials say furloughs and layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education could delay responses to questions and services.

Alabama education officials said the shutdown should have no immediate impact on the flow of funding to schools, but furloughs and layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education could make it harder for agencies to get timely answers.

During the shutdown, the department will cease new grantmaking activity and pause its advisory and regulatory role to schools and grant recipients.

K-12 funding

Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey said he received correspondence Tuesday confirming that school systems s