Forwarded Call to Action from Maine Parent Federation: Department of Education Reduction in Force

Call to Action Reduction in Force at Offices of Special Education Programs & Rehabilitative Services
We have learned that last Friday evening nearly all staff at the federal Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Rehabilitative Services (OSER) have received a reduction in force notice. This means, unless the notices are rescinded, effective 12/09/2025 these offices will be severely understaffed threatening special education programs in schools and employment offices.
 
Why This Matters
These offices provide the essential oversight and expertise needed to ensure states properly implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
 
The impact to State Departments of Education, local schools, and agencies who implement IDEA and Section 504 programming may include a lack of Special Education monitoring, absence of grant approvals, delayed corrective actions plans, limited oversight of special education and civil rights law, and slower response times for assistance, approvals, and appeals.
 
Most concerning is the threat to the protections and supports that students with disabilities and their families depend on.
 
What Does This Mean for MPF
While the situation is fluid and uncertain, one thing remains constant: MPF's work continues. Our parent center funding remains stable at this time. We remain fully operational and committed to the families and communities we serve.
 
In partnership with disability organizations across Maine and within our National Coalitions MPF is committed to working with our partners in D.C. including within Maine's Congressional Delegation to get these positions reinstated.
 
 
What Can You Do
As we have proven already many times during this administration voices of families, providers, and state leaders are extremely powerful.
 
You can do a couple of things.

1. Send a quick email speaking to how access to Special Education and Rehabilitative Services are important to you. See below for a template example to use as well as contacts for Maine's Congressional Delegation.
2. Call and leave a message for our Congressional Delegation, see contact information below.
3. Finally use the contact forms to send a message to our Congressional Delegation, website information below.

 
Email Template
 
Dear "staffer name",
 
My name is "enter name" and I am contacting you today to express my feelings in regard to the reduction in force action at the Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. I am concerned these actions will threaten the implementation and oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitative Act.
 
My experience as a "enter a value, here are some examples. family members, provider, educator" with IDEA and/or Section 504 includes "provide a couple sentences about your experience with our agency and why or why not you believe funding should be provided."
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
"Your name and contact information"
 
Maine Congressional Delegation Contacts
Senator Susan Collins - Chair of the Appropriations Committee
Education Staffer - Katie Brown - [email protected] & Katherine Huiskes - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 224-2523
Website
 
Senator Angus King
Educational Staffer - Sanjay Kane - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 224-5344
Website
 
Representative Chellie Pingree
Health & Education Staffer - Evan Johnston - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 225-6116
Website
 
Representative Jared Golden
Health & Education Staffers
Tyler Nadeau - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 225-6306
Website
 
Maine Parent Federation truly appreciates your advocacy and voice to assist us during what remains an extremely challenging time. I remain available to all of you to assist with your questions and concerns.
 
Thoughtfully with you,
 
Carrie Woodcock, Executive Director
 and The Staff of Maine Parent Federation​