Arizona educators are concerned about the potential impact on the state’s public schools if President-elect Donald Trump fulfills his campaign promise to eliminate the Department of Education.
“We will put an end to the misuse of taxpayer funds in government education and ensure that our youth are not subjected to unwanted indoctrination,” Trump declared passionately during a rally in Wisconsin back in September.
Conservatives have long desired to dismantle the department ever since it was separated from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.
“We will be returning the responsibility of education to the states, and Linda will be leading this initiative,” stated President Trump on November 19, as he introduced Linda McMahon as his choice for secretary of education.
Trump’s argument is rooted in both cultural warfare and rankings that highlight the underperformance of U.S. schools compared to countries with lower per pupil spending. His campaign platform explicitly states his commitment to removing “transgender ideology and left-wing indoctrination” from schools.
According to education experts, Trump’s plan is expected to involve the implementation of grants that would provide states with greater autonomy over federal education funds.
However, it is unclear how Trump plans to enforce congressional mandates, especially when it comes to gender protections and support for low-income students, as well as those with disabilities and special needs.
Critics are concerned that direct grants may allow states to redirect federal education funds towards programs like vouchers, which assist parents in paying for private and charter school tuition, or even homeschooling. They argue that this could potentially worsen disparities between wealthier communities and poorer or rural areas.
According to a study conducted by the Grand Canyon Institute, Arizona’s voucher program incurred a cost of $332 million to state taxpayers during the 2023-24 school year. The study also predicts that the program will significantly expand to reach a staggering $429 million in the current school year.
Critics have expressed particular concerns regarding Title I, which offers additional funding for schools with low-income students, as well as the funding allocated for special education under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, expressed concerns about the plan, stating that it could potentially jeopardize the legal right to a fair and equal education for many students. She emphasized that the implementation of direct grants to the state may result in the loss of this fundamental entitlement.
Before assuming leadership at the AEA, Garcia worked as a teacher in economically disadvantaged areas of Arizona, where a significant number of students faced extreme poverty. Due to insufficient funding, students with learning disabilities frequently faced delayed identification, hindering their educational progress.
According to Garcia, the U.S. Department of Education plays a crucial role in providing financial support to ensure that students with disabilities, English-language learners, and those living in poverty receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically.
The department cannot be completely eliminated without the approval of Congress. Senate Republicans currently hold 53 seats, which is not enough to overcome Democratic opposition, as 60 seats are needed.
It is a common misconception that the federal government decides on curriculum matters. In reality, these decisions are made at the state and local levels. The control of public schools lies in the hands of locally elected school boards.
Only 10% of school funding comes from federal funding, while the majority is derived from state and local taxes.
The Education Department allocates approximately $28 billion annually to K-12 schools for Title I and IDEA programs. It ensures that students with special needs receive a free and appropriate education, while also upholding various civil rights protections.
There is a proposal to transfer the responsibility of enforcement to the Justice Department. However, education advocates are concerned about the potential lack of priority given to education cases and the DOJ’s potential lack of expertise in this area.
According to Cronkite News, Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, expressed his belief that President Trump’s proposal is not a good idea and will likely exacerbate the funding challenges faced by schools in Arizona.
According to Kelly, the vouchers have significantly reduced the funding for public schools in the state. She believes that the absence of a Department of Education could potentially result in a detrimental disruption, which is something that should be avoided.
Consumer Affairs recently conducted a study in September that evaluated various aspects of education in Arizona. The study revealed that Arizona ranks 40th in terms of graduation rates, college entrance scores, and reading and math assessments. However, it also highlighted that the state’s school funding and resources are ranked last.
Holli Yates, a Trump supporter, expressed her concern about the academic performance of children in school. She believes that the Department of Education is not doing enough to support the youth in Arizona. According to Yates, Trump’s plan is the solution that will bring about the necessary change.
When her son was a toddler, Yates decided to move from Mesa to California. She was concerned about the overcrowded classrooms and the lack of attention her son was receiving.
Carter elevated the department to Cabinet status by signing legislation in 1979. However, this decision faced immediate blowback. During the 1980 contest, Carter’s Republican challenger, Ronald Reagan, proposed dismantling the department. Despite Reagan’s proposal, Congress showed no interest in pursuing this idea.
Max Eden, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute who is in favor of abolishing the Education Department, reassured Arizona schools that they need not worry about a decrease in federal funding.
According to his prediction, Trump is more inclined towards reducing the size of the program rather than completely getting rid of it. He suggested that the Treasury Department could take over the responsibility of overseeing student loans, while the enforcement of Title I could be carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Weadé James, the senior director for K-12 education policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, predicts dire consequences for struggling states like Arizona, even if the department is not completely eliminated.
James anticipates that Trump and his allies will reduce Title I funding, which will have a detrimental impact on low-income schools and result in significant cuts to vital funding for teachers.