In many schools across the country, crucial resources are becoming scarce. Cuts once starting out as small changes are quickly becoming a large reality as the U.S. Department of Education faces significant funding cuts— A department responsible for many necessities worldwide slashed.
As the cuts deduct nearly 6 billion dollars nationwide, Kansas faces ~50 million in federal funding cuts. This directly impacts programs like special education, lunch supply, Titles 1-4, with more in the coming future unless these deductions and freezes are reversed.
In direct relation to MHS, changes aren’t too noticeable at this time. Perry McCabe, a USD 418 board member, says there’s more worry for 2026 than there is now. One of his biggest concerns is bonds as they’re already scarce without funding cuts.
He encourages anyone eligible to vote to take charge, including more push from school staff members and families to protect our rights and funds.
Teachers express concerns about pay and their programs. Aaron Schooper, who teaches classes like current issues and coaches debate, worries for the protection of his classes or else they could disappear as they can’t run without proper funding. He says this especially targets those vulnerable, as it can weaponize important funds to those in need by making them scarce.
The people need teachers and a community, but this only pushes them away. As a result, enrollment is declining both nationally and locally. People either decide to go to a better-funded school or they decide against having children to be in the system in the first place. Not only is this an issue generally, but less enrollment means even less funding federally. Now, the cuts are on top of this.
Aubrey Herbst, the MHS principal, says she’s conducting teacher stay interviews. These are meant to give staff a free place to express their concerns about their school. Most teachers have wants for a new facility, as do many in the district, which again relates back to bonds and general fundings. The importance of funds is indispensable. She says teachers always need more, especially with goals for higher pay.
Herbst describes another need as not just learning with students, but learning with teachers too.
“If we aren’t learning, our students aren’t learning.” Says Herbst. “Education is priority. We’re investing in our future.”
Teachers continuously improve, though some sources like teacher workshops and conferences, and this too requires proper funding. All around, learning is crucial for everyone— no matter age or experience.
In short, many schools nationwide are critically affected by funding cuts and freezes, MHS included. As of now, changes are minimal, but with the upcoming 2026 year it could only worsen. This is why things like bonds are crucial to help provide needed funding for our schools.
An increase in funds is always beneficial no matter the department and context. A decrease only hurts our most important systems.
