SAN DIEGO (FOX 5 News) – The Trump administration continues to make good on a 2020 campaign promise, with the signing of an executive order aimed at scaling back the Department of Education.
The move is designed to shift authority over education to the states, with the goal of creating a leaner, more effective federal agency focused on enforcing civil rights and managing student loans and grants, among other programs.
However, some experts are expressing concerns about the potential impact on state and local education budgets.
San Diego Unified School District Board President Cody Peterson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the potential dismantling of the department.
“Overall, we’re concerned about the ability of the significantly reduced Department of Education to provide the same level of support we’ve been receiving in the past,” he said.
Peterson emphasized the importance of federal funding for programs such as Title I, which supports students from low-income families, and special education initiatives.
The Lakeside Unified School District, on the other hand, is eager to take on more control over its education system.
“I believe that by consolidating government services, we can create a more efficient and cost-effective system,” said Andrew Hayes, a member of the Lakeside Unified School District board.
In order to completely dismantle the Department of Education, an act of Congress would be required, with proponents arguing that local authorities are better equipped to manage education.
Peterson Expresses concerns about the potential disruption to the education system, but emphasized that California has the resources to make up for lost funding. He believes that a strong economy would allow for a smooth transition.
Hayes, on the other hand, is advocating for his district to receive any funding saved from the reduced federal support.
‘We would like to see that money redirected to our local districts in the form of grants,’ he said.