The Education Department, a crucial component of American education, has been significantly reduced by the Trump administration. The Department’s shrinking has been a significant win for families, as it has largely focused on restoring power to parents. However, education advocates and parents are divided on whether transferring responsibilities to the state and local level aids or hinders American families. On average, the federal Education Department administers roughly 10% of public school funds nationwide. State education responsibilities should lie with local governments, and some existing services could be transferred to other departments.
National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues, representing over 1,000 affiliated parent organizations, contends that families are the backbone of the American economy, but said recent threats to the department have caused widespread “chaos.” Education cuts nearly became a reality when roughly $6 billion in title funding that is typically allocated on July 1 would be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. However, funding was released to states under the condition that they comply with federal laws.
Some former Department of Education employees have said that American families will be better off letting the states handle the essential responsibilities of educating children. Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president of Defending Education, believes federal civil rights protections must be enforced by the administration, regardless of the Education Department’s role.
