President Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge to eliminate — at least to the extent allowed under law — the U.S. Department of Education.

There were widespread reports Thursday that an executive order to dismantle the federal agency was in the works and may be imminent.

Talk heated up after Linda McMahon was confirmed this week as the next federal secretary of education. If the order is signed, as expected, McMahon will oversee the steps to gut the department.

If it comes to fruition, the proposed elimination is expected to have widespread impact on staffing, budgets, operations and, possibly, the way funding is distributed.

It was not immediately clear how a dismantling of the federal agency will impact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education — which lawmakers in this state has also talked about restructuring — or school districts, and colleges and universities.

In a statement, the state DESE said it is awaiting further guidance from the federal department on if, or how, changes made at the level will impact funds and programs administered by the state.

Federal funds represent 27% of the state's appropriated $8.7 million budget for this fiscal year. Of that, 11.05% are the remaining federal pandemic relief funds yet to be spent and 16.43% are other federal funds to support programs and services.

The News-Leader reached out to local leaders of K-12 and higher education institutions.

Some are taking a wait-and-see approach. Others sought to reassure students, families, employees and others.

Springfield Public Schools is the largest district in the state. Stephen Hall, chief communications officer, said SPS will look to the state level for guidance.

"Springfield Public Schools remains committed to serving all students and we believe that appropriate structures must be in place to hold all schools accountable in a fair and equitable manner," Hall said. "In order to serve all students, including those with disabilities and other needs, schools rely on necessary state and federal funding."

Hall added: "It is our hope that the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which provides oversight of Missouri’s K-12 schools, will have an opportunity to provide feedback and guidance on any decision that would impact the ability to serve all students with fully-funded resources."

Zac Rantz, chief communication officer, said Nixa Public Schools is closely watching the situation.

"Nixa is currently monitoring the decision to change the make-up of the federal Department of Education. Currently about 5% of our budget — $5.1 million — comes from the federal government and we will be monitoring decisions made to understand how this funding will be impacted and any changes or cuts as we plan our 2025-26 budget," Rantz said.

"As long as funding stays the same, even if passed through different entities or federal agencies, and the federal requirements stay consistent, we see little impact to Nixa."

Rantz said it's too early to know what type of tough decisions are ahead. "If funding is cut, then we will have to look at what programs and services we can absorb, cut, or adjust to meet the core goal of educating our students."

Willard Superintendent Eric Wilken said the district is aware of the possible change and the "potential for legal and budgetary ramifications."

"At this time, it is not clear exactly which agencies that fall under the DOE would remain and which agencies will be transferred to other federal departments," Wilken said, in a statement. "Once we have more details, we will be able to determine the true impact to our district."

Michelle Baumstark, chief communications officer of Columbia Public Schools, said this is a developing situation and there is still uncertainty about how the federal government will be "restructured."

She noted the department, established by Congress, serves primarily as a monitoring and accountability agency. Officially dismantling the department would also take action by Congress.

In a statement, the Columbia district wrote: "The district receives a small percentage, approximately 6%, of its funding directly from the federal government. That comes primarily in the form of Title funds that have federal accountability metrics tied to them. Most federal funding actually funnels to the state, which then distributes to local districts and programs. The majority of our funding, more than 60%, comes from local taxpayers."

The News-Leader reached out the Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College, the largest public higher education institutions in the Springfield area.

Cassie Mathes, chief marking and communication officer, said there was not enough information available Thursday to know what exactly will be proposed and how it might impact Ozarks Tech and its operations.

"We have faith that the financial aid functions of the department, which are essential to our students' success, will continue regardless of the outcome," Mathes said in the statement.

"The college remains focused on our mission of providing affordable, accessible education and training to our students, business partners, and community regardless of the changing landscape outside of our institution."

Christopher Ave, spokesman for the University of Missouri, wrote that the system remains committed to its mission of teaching, research and engagement.

"We are closely monitoring federal developments, and we will continue to comply with all applicable federal and state laws," Ave wrote in the statement. "Mizzou will continue its vital work that provides outstanding value for its students, the people of Missouri and the world beyond."

(This story was updated to include more information).