Recent drastic cuts to the Department of Education could have far-reaching effects on local school funding and services for vulnerable students, officials say. Why it matters: The city and state are struggling with education budgets at current levels.

Concern about the funds is growing now that staffing at the agency has been cut by nearly 50% — from 4,133 to 2,183.

The plan to fire about 1,378 employees will undermine the department’s ability to perform work mandated by federal law, the suit says.