The department has already paid more than $21 million to idle employees over the last three months, according to the American Federation of Government Employees. They were terminated in March when the agency cut nearly half of its workforce.

The Trump administration has reopened civil rights investigations in schools, reversing prior policies and challenging issues like transgender athletes and equity programs. Advocates warn the shift may discourage students from filing complaints.

Nebraska schools are disproportionately denying transfer requests from students with disabilities, despite laws meant to protect them. Districts cite staffing shortages, but critics call it discrimination.

One way to give a larger district a small-town feel is customization in the form of extensive school choice, Superintendent Jean Luna-Vedder says.