The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education to slash its workforce by nearly 50% has sparked varied reactions from Michigan’s political leaders and education experts.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, expressed her concern.
“There doesn’t seem to be a rationale, that is a long-term goal. If it is improving educational outcomes, there are a lot of ways to do that as opposed to crippling the department that does education,” said Whitmer.
Republican State Representative Joe Aragona of Clinton Township offered a different perspective, highlighting the need to address inefficiencies.
“There is so much waste in every department, and that’s what the Trump administration is going after right now,” said Aragona.
According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Education, the reduction has impacted all divisions, with some requiring significant reorganization to “better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.”
The department also said it will continue to deliver on formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and more.
The implications of the staff reduction on Michigan students are yet to be fully understood.
“In Pontiac, we are working in real-time to not only learn every detail as soon as it becomes available but also to stay ahead of any changes by being proactive in extensively pursuing other funding sources, structures, and options in the event it becomes necessary to make any changes to how any of our positions or programs are funded,” Pontiac School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Leverette wrote in a letter to staff and the community.
Some worry this could be the first step in a larger plan to weaken or eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.
“So many things that we have come to rely on in our public education system over the last 20 years are now in question,” EdTrust-Midwest Executive Director Amber Arellano said.
According to EdTrust-Midwest, Michigan’s low-income students and students with disabilities have the most at stake if the U.S. Department of Education is dismantled.
University of Michigan Education Policy Professor Brian Jacob criticized the cuts.
“There’s really very little thought going into what to cut, when to cut, and how much to cut. It’s kind of slash and burn,” said Jacob.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice does not believe there are enough votes in Congress to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education but remains concerned about potential funding reductions.
“The Trump Administration may reduce education and other child-related funding, which could occur without abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and could harm the education, health, and safety of school children,” according to a statement released by the Michigan Department of Education.
A statement from AFT Michigan President Terrance Martin emphasized the risks of reduced federal oversight, warning: “Without federal oversight, we risk widening the gap in educational opportunities, particularly for Black, brown, low-income, and rural students. It is imperative that we stand together to protect the future of education and uphold the rights of both students and educators.”
Efforts to reach the U.S. Department of Education for comments on the department’s future have been unsuccessful.
