With a pen stroke Thursday, President Donald Trump’s executive order officially fired 1,300 U.S. Department of Education employees. Education leaders warn the move threatens funding for special education, low-income student support, and college grants in Michigan and beyond.

Michigan’s schools serve more than a million students, with more than half economically disadvantaged, one in 14 learning English, and one in seven with special education needs. Professor Josh Cowen, an education policy expert at Michigan State University, predicts President Trump’s actions will face challenges.

“We’re going to run into some pretty quick trouble pretty quickly if congressionally required payments to schools, states, districts, but ultimately serving kids and families in Michigan and elsewhere aren’t met because of staff shortages,” Cowen said.

Supporters of the president’s decision believe closing the Cabinet-level department would give more control to parents and local communities, leading to better education and accountability, as well as promoting new ideas in education.

The Department of Government Efficiency estimates the move could save $105 billion through asset sales and job cuts.