From my experience as a teacher, principal, district leader, State Commissioner of Education, and U.S. Secretary of Education, I believe dismantling the Department of Education is a grave error. Deferring to the President, as half of Congress seems to be doing, will negatively impact students for decades.
The Department of Education’s primary role is as a civil rights agency, ensuring educational access for students with disabilities and those historically underserved. Dismantling the department will disproportionately harm communities that strongly supported this administration, such as rural areas in the Midwest and agricultural communities lacking the resources of larger districts. These districts rely on federal funding for basic educational needs and will suffer the most. This is similar to how strict immigration policies harm farmers who depend on undocumented workers.
In wartime, countries aim to destroy their enemies’ educational, scientific, and technological institutions. This weakens their ability to educate, innovate, and develop. Dismantling the Department of Education, with the apparent approval of Congress and the courts, is akin to doing our enemies’ work for them.
The Supreme Court’s decision hinders the Department of Education from fulfilling its congressional mandate to distribute funds as approved. Currently, the Department is withholding funds from districts for further review of their intended use. While this may seem like ensuring alignment with the administration’s priorities, it will delay the distribution of approved funds and raise concerns.
Without adequate staff, who will ensure timely fund distribution? Will higher education face similar delays?
Universities that publicly disagree with the current administration’s policies are facing consequences. If this is the administration’s approach, will districts with voters who did not support the President experience targeted funding cuts?
What happened to returning control to the states? It appears the federal government is overly involved in classroom decisions. As former Secretary, I emphasized that curriculum decisions should be made by states and local communities, not federal officials.
Congress is shirking its responsibility to hold the Department of Education accountable for funding, implementing, and overseeing approved programs. By allowing the executive branch to cut the department by up to 50%, the Supreme Court essentially approves the department’s inability to meet congressional requirements.
Consequently, superintendents nationwide are struggling to decide which programs to cut. They must balance their budgets annually and cannot plan effectively without guaranteed funding from the federal government.
Summer programs, after-school programs, tutoring, and special education services are being cut due to the administration’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education. Without a clear budget, school leaders cannot hire the necessary support staff. This is happening now, and every district will feel the effects in September, with the most vulnerable districts suffering the most due to their greater reliance on federal funding and protections.
For example, consider the administration’s efforts to drastically reduce the Department’s staff, including the Federal Student Aid (FSA) office. The FSA office, already understaffed, manages $1.6 trillion in student loans. FSA systems analysts ensure funds reach students, reduce fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer money. Their oversight prevents misuse of funds and ensures students receive the benefits intended by Congress. On Monday, the Supreme Court effectively approved the elimination of their work.
Eliminating these roles will harm millions of students who rely on student loans and grants for college. While affluent students may afford higher education without loans, those less fortunate will bear the brunt of these cuts.
Furthermore, the departments that provide research and data to promote best practices in schools are also at risk. These experts help disseminate effective strategies to support students nationwide and fund research that addresses educational challenges and keeps the U.S. education system competitive. Without support for research and data collection, how can we improve our education system and global competitiveness?
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about our country’s future. As a former teacher, I know that educators and education leaders are dedicated to serving children and our nation. We choose education not for financial gain or recognition, but to help children.
Therefore, I remain confident in American educators, parents, and leaders who are committed to improving our schools and overcoming any obstacles. We did it five years ago during the pandemic, and we will do it again.
This transcends politics. It is about what is right for our children and the best interests of our country. We share the mission to serve our students to the best of our abilities. We take that role seriously and will not abandon our commitment.
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