In Episode 3 of the Afterschool.org Podcast, we explore California Superintendent Tony Thurmond's public plea for President-elect Donald Trump to preserve the U.S. Department of Education, despite Trump’s campaign promise to abolish it. Thurmond voices deep concerns about the potential loss of $79 billion in federal education funding and the impact on students with disabilities and immigrant families. With a readiness to propose state legislation to replace lost federal support, Thurmond reaffirms California’s commitment to inclusive education. Join us as we unpack the potential implications of a second Trump term on California’s schools and the state’s stance on educational equity, amid bipartisan discussions on California’s values and the future of U.S. education.