A San Antonio superintendent is worried about the future of his school amid Department of Education cuts. His school district relies on federal funds for half of its budget.

Texas students and lawmakers worry that cutting the U.S. Education Department could mean more uncertainty for public schools.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott applauded Thursday as he watched President Donald Trump sign an executive order to downsize — and ultimately eliminate — the U.S. Department of Education.

"Dismantling the department will lead to major consequences on the success of marginalized students," said Ayaan Moledina, a high school student in Austin.

President Trump’s executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle the federal Department of Education, an action that’s been at least several months in the making.

Education advocates and lawmakers from the Houston area are speaking out against the Trump administration's effort to shutter the federal agency, which provides funding and enforces civil rights laws at schools across the country.

The Trump administration moved to slash offices and positions Thursday for the agency tasked with distributing funding for low-income and special education students.

Eleven Democratic senators are demanding an investigation into the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, warning the cuts could have "disastrous consequences on the education system.