President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign pledge and a long-held goal of some conservatives.
He criticized the agency for “breath-taking failures” and pledged to return its funding to individual states.
The decision is already facing legal challenges aimed at blocking the agency’s closure and the announced staff cuts.
While many believe the federal education department operates U.S. schools and sets curricula, this responsibility primarily lies with states and local districts.
The federal government provides only about 13% of funding for primary and secondary schools, with most resources coming from state and local taxes.
Established in 1979, the department administers student loans and programs for low-income students.
WDKX Holiday Stream