As the Trump administration finds itself in a whirlwind of chaos, one federal department seems to be executing its plans flawlessly. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, a staunch supporter of school vouchers, has made her disdain for public education crystal clear while championing the privatization of schooling. Now, she’s set to fulfill her agenda of trimming public education funding, reducing the federal government’s role in schools, and promoting school choice.
This week, President Trump and Secretary DeVos are unveiling an education budget for the coming year that is nothing short of alarming. The proposal slashes $10.6 billion from education programs, affecting those who need it most—this accounts for a staggering 13.6% of the total budget—and reallocates $1.4 billion into school choice initiatives.
Approximately $1 billion will be diverted from Title I funds (which support the education of low-income children) into a new program called Furthering Options for Children to Unlock Success (FOCUS). This funding would only go to school districts that offer school choice options. The Center for American Progress has described such schemes as “Robin Hood in reverse,” siphoning resources away from impoverished districts and directing them toward wealthier ones.
Who Stands to Gain?
- School Vouchers: The budget proposes increased funding for the expansion and study of voucher programs, enabling low-income students to attend private or religious schools.
- Charter Schools: An extra $500 million is earmarked for charter schools, a 50% increase from current funding levels.
- DeVos’s Security Detail: The budget also requests an additional $158 million for salaries for her staff, even as the overall number of Department of Education employees decreases. Unlike previous secretaries, DeVos is guarded by U.S. Marshals, racking up costs of $1 million per month to the education department.
Who Loses Out?
The cuts affect a plethora of educational programs, including those for early childhood education, gifted programs, and student loan assistance. Senator Maya Johnson, the ranking Democrat on the education committee, noted, “This budget would undermine communities by cutting funds for after-school programs, grants for struggling college students, teacher training initiatives, and even Special Olympics education programs.”
- Student Loan Forgiveness: The budget aims to terminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which previously allowed graduates in public service roles to have their loans forgiven after ten years of service.
- After-School Programs: The 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which support nearly 2 million disadvantaged students, face funding cuts.
- Federal College Work Study: Approximately half of the budget for the work-study program, which aids 670,000 college students through employment, will be eliminated.
- Pell Grants: While not entirely abolished, the budget cuts nearly $4 billion from Pell Grants, the largest federal grant program for low-income families.
- Teacher Training: Grants designed to support effective teaching will be entirely eliminated.
Among other programs facing severe cuts or complete elimination are arts education, initiatives for high-need Native children, gifted and talented education, adult literacy programs, career and technical education, and childcare assistance for low-income parents in college.
On Wednesday, DeVos is set to testify before the House Appropriations Committee. Interestingly, as the Los Angeles Times points out, this budget may face substantial political hurdles: “Cutting public school aid to promote vouchers could particularly backfire in rural areas where private options are scarce.”
In the midst of the ongoing scandals surrounding this administration, it’s crucial not to overlook the agenda to privatize education. It’s not enough to just hope your representatives will reject this budget. Make your voice heard by reaching out to them about your concerns regarding these drastic cuts.
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In summary, Betsy DeVos’s proposed education budget threatens to undermine public education while favoring privatization at the expense of the most vulnerable students. With numerous programs facing severe cuts, it’s imperative for parents and concerned citizens to take action.