President-elect Donald Trump has made a promise to do away with the United States Department of Education. What will this mean for Nevada’s public schools?
Most of Nevada’s education funding comes from state and local taxes, with about 10 percent coming from the federal agency. This money supports programs like Title I, which assists low-income students, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and federal student aid programs such as Pell Grants for higher education. The department also collects data and enforces civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in schools.
Those in favor of abolishing the department argue that it would eliminate a slow, bureaucratic agency and give states more flexibility. However, opponents are concerned about losing important programs and funding for vulnerable populations that are provided through the department.
Vicki Kreidel, President of the National Education Association of Southern Nevada, acknowledges the bureaucracy within the Department of Education but raises concerns about the potential impact on programs valued by the President-elect if the department is abolished.
While it is uncertain whether Trump will actually move forward with abolishing the department, there are potential changes in education nationally that could affect Nevada students. For instance, Trump has opposed President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive student loan debt and could reverse the program.
Cultural issues in education are also at play, with recent elections to the Clark County School Board reflecting a shift in views on topics like race and gender in education. Additionally, if the department is not abolished, there could be funding repercussions for states that support policies Trump disagrees with.
Brad Marianno, a professor at UNLV specializing in education policy, suggests that states receiving “block grants” could provide more flexibility in spending federal funding. Erin Phillips of Power 2 Parent supports the conversation around dismantling the federal agency, as it could lead to a more individualized approach to education.
However, concerns remain about the feasibility of abolishing the department, particularly in terms of filling funding gaps for vulnerable populations. Danielle Ford, a former CCSD board member, fears that without earmarked funding, states could redirect money away from programs benefiting low-income and special education students.
While Trump would not be the first to consider abolishing the Department of Education, the potential implications for Nevada’s education system are significant. Teachers, librarians, and advocates like Nicole Beer from Defense of Democracy of Southern Nevada are prepared to continue fighting for quality education despite these challenges.