I am a parent of two New Canaan High School graduates; one who is out of college and in the workforce, and another who is currently attending college. Like many families, we moved to New Canaan specifically for the outstanding school system. Also like many families, we have had experience with the 504 process, the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) which is required by many colleges even if you plan to fully pay your child’s tuition, and Federal student loans.
Here are a few reasons every New Canaan resident, regardless of whether you have or plan to have children, should be deeply alarmed about the potential shutdown of the US Department of Education currently proposed by the Administration.
The $1M+ funding provided by the Federal Government to New Canaan, if removed, would result in either a reduction in services (such as 504 and IEP) or an increase in tax burden to New Canaan residents.
The FAFSA process, already a very difficult one and which resulted in delays for many college students accepting offers of admission this past year, would become even more challenging and dysfunctional without clear ownership and oversight.
YOUR Federal tax dollars underwrite every Federal student loan currently issued (current calculation of this amount by the US Department of Education is $1.6 TRILLION). With disruption of the owning agency, servicing and collection of this enormous amount isn’t likely to improve, to put it mildly. We, the US taxpayers, have funded this and we will be left with lower repayment rates and higher loan defaults for years to come.
If you are a parent, you have many other reasons for concern including the certainty of higher costs at many colleges and universities and significantly reduced access to graduate school opportunities for your students who want to pursue this path.
Regardless of your political beliefs, this proposal is simply bad fiscal management and will affect us all. Please contact our Congressional Representatives and Senators to share your concerns. The 5 Calls app is a great way to do this.
Sincerely,
Irene Hendricks
