The Trump administration has announced a reduction in force (RIF) at the Department of Education. This decision aims to streamline the agency by affecting every part of the department.
Lindsey Burke, director of the Center for Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation, and Jonathan Butcher, a senior research fellow, commented on this development. They stated: "Reductions such as this are a great start and are long overdue. The Department of Education has failed to fulfill its objectives. Instead, it’s an easy way for special interest groups to benefit from federal taxpayer spending meant for students through the hiring of non-instructional staff and the propping up of ineffective programs."
They further noted that "this RIF impacts nearly 50 percent of the agency’s workforce. Such a change is consistent with the administration’s efforts to make government work for taxpayers and is a victory for parents, students, and local schools."
Burke and Butcher emphasized that reducing bureaucracy will allow state and local education officials more decision-making authority. Federal officials have assured that these reductions will not affect the distribution of federal student aid or K-12 spending for children in low-income areas or students with special needs.
They concluded by stating: "Ultimately, Americans will see that the Department of Education is not necessary for students to succeed, and the entire agency should be eliminated."
For additional details, refer to Correcting Carter’s Mistake.
