Education Department announces it’s cutting nearly 50% of workforce
this Ministry of Education Tuesday announced that as the Trump administration conducts its workforce, it cuts its workforce by nearly 50% Plan to demolish Agent.
“Today’s reduction in strength reflects the Department’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensures that resources are directed to where most important: to students, parents and teachers,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “I thank the dedicated civil servants for their work and their contribution to the department. This is an important step in restoring the greatness of the American education system.”
The affected staff will be on leave starting Friday, March 21, and will receive full salary and benefits in addition to severance and retirement benefits, the department said.
According to the Ministry of Education, the institution’s workforce has been cut from 4,133 workers to about 2,183. The reduction included 259 employees who accepted the Trump administration’s deferred resignation agreement.
The news comes hours after department staff were informed of all departmental offices and all regional offices in Washington, D.C. Will be closed on Wednesday “For safety reasons.”
The education department has many responsibilities, including enforcing non-discrimination policies in schools. It is also responsible for distributing federal Financial Aid Used to educate, collect and disseminate school-related data and research.
The department has less than 10% of the funding of public schools nationwide, which is mainly driven by state and local taxes.
It also supports federal university loan programs and Pell grants as well as vocational training.
In a workforce reduction announcement Tuesday, the department said it would continue to enact all statutory plans that fall under the authority of the institution, including formula funds, student loans, Pell grants, funding for special needs students, and competitively awarded grants.”
Republicans have tried to tear down the Education Department for decades and President Trump is expected to issue an executive order directing McMahon to start disbanding the department. However, the timing of this move is not yet clear. Mr. Trump said he wanted to “bring the school back to the United States.”
Shortly after being identified as Education Secretary McMahon Release memos of subject line “The last task of our department.”
“This is our last memorable public service to future generations. I hope you can work with me to ensure that our final mission is completed; we will be able to say that we will be freer, stronger, and more hope for the future,” the memo reads.
However, getting rid of the Ministry of Education requires Congressional approval. Although Republicans currently have a majority in both chambers, the move will require 60 votes in the Senate, where Democrats are unlikely to join the Republican Party.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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Contributed to this report.