Why Eliminating the Department of Education Would Be Devastating for America

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Imagine waking up one day to find that the Department of Education no longer exists. Schools across the country are struggling, funding has dried up, and millions of students—especially those in rural areas and special education programs—are left without critical support. This is not just a hypothetical situation. Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump is considering signing an executive order to eliminate the Department of Education. If this happens, it could have disastrous consequences for American children, families, and educators.

Why This Decision Matters

The Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring that schools across the country have the resources they need. While education is managed at the state and local levels, federal support is crucial in providing funding, enforcing civil rights laws, and supporting programs that help disadvantaged students. The idea of eliminating this department is not just a minor policy change—it is one of the most extreme and destructive moves a president could make.

The effects would ripple through every classroom, affecting students, teachers, and parents alike. Without federal oversight and funding, public education could become a fragmented, underfunded system that fails to provide equal opportunities for all children. This decision would hit hardest in communities that already struggle to keep their schools afloat, especially in rural and low-income areas.

How This Would Impact Schools and Communities

1. School Closures and Deteriorating Infrastructure

Public schools rely on federal funding to maintain operations, pay teachers, and improve infrastructure. If the Department of Education is eliminated, that funding disappears, forcing many schools—particularly those in small towns and rural areas—to close their doors.

In some communities, a school is more than just a place where kids learn; it is a central part of the town. When schools close, communities suffer. Property values drop, businesses lose customers, and families are forced to move elsewhere to find better educational opportunities for their children.

Even in areas where schools remain open, the loss of federal support would lead to crumbling infrastructure. Many schools across the country are already in desperate need of repairs, with outdated textbooks, broken heating systems, and overcrowded classrooms. Eliminating the Department of Education would make these problems even worse, leaving students to learn in unsafe and inadequate conditions.

2. Increased Property Taxes

Without federal funding, local governments would have to find alternative ways to support their schools. This would likely mean raising property taxes—a move that could place a heavy financial burden on homeowners.

In wealthier areas, communities might be able to handle these tax increases, but in lower-income regions, the additional costs could force families to choose between paying for necessities and funding their schools. The end result? Even greater educational inequality, where children’s opportunities are determined by their zip codes rather than their abilities.

What About Special Education?

One of the most alarming consequences of eliminating the Department of Education is the potential loss of support for students with special needs. The federal government provides crucial funding and resources for special education programs through laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If these programs lose funding, students with disabilities could be left without the support they need to succeed in school.

Many parents rely on these services to help their children receive a fair and adequate education. Without federal oversight, states may struggle to provide the same level of assistance, leading to a significant decline in educational quality for students with disabilities. Families would be left scrambling for alternatives, but not everyone can afford private schools or specialized services. The result? A massive setback for some of the most vulnerable children in the country.

How Teachers and Families Would Suffer

1. Overworked and Underpaid Teachers

Public school teachers are already stretched thin, often working long hours for modest pay. Eliminating the Department of Education would only make their jobs more difficult. Without federal support, schools could face budget cuts that result in larger class sizes, fewer resources, and reduced professional development opportunities for teachers.

Imagine trying to teach a class of 40 or 50 students with outdated materials and little administrative support. Teachers would be forced to take on even more responsibilities without additional compensation. This could lead to burnout, a decline in teaching quality, and ultimately, more teachers leaving the profession altogether.

2. Families Would Struggle with State-Controlled Education Budgets

If education funding is left entirely to the states, families could face a chaotic system where resources vary drastically from one region to another. Many states are already struggling to maintain adequate school funding. Without federal assistance, some states may be unable—or unwilling—to provide the necessary financial support for their schools.

This would create even more disparities in education, with wealthier states providing better opportunities while poorer states fall further behind. Parents who want the best for their children may be forced to relocate, enroll in expensive private schools, or resort to homeschooling—none of which are viable options for many working families.

A Critique of Leadership Choices

Another major concern is who would be in charge of education policy if the Department of Education were eliminated. Reports suggest that Linda McMahon, a former WWE executive with no background in education, would be appointed as the new Education Secretary. Critics argue that she was chosen not to improve the system but to dismantle it.

Education should be led by experienced professionals who understand the complexities of the system. Appointing someone with little to no experience in education sends a clear message: the goal is not to strengthen schools but to undermine them. This kind of leadership decision threatens the future of American education and puts millions of students at risk.

The Need for Education Reform—Not Destruction

There is no denying that the American education system has flaws. Schools need better funding, teachers need higher salaries, and students need more opportunities. However, eliminating the Department of Education is not the answer.

Instead of tearing down an essential institution, policymakers should focus on reforms that improve the system. This includes:

Increasing teacher salaries to attract and retain top educators.
Investing in school infrastructure to create safe and effective learning environments.
Expanding access to technology so that students in rural and low-income areas have the same opportunities as those in wealthier communities.
Strengthening special education programs to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, receives a quality education.
Providing free or affordable higher education options to help students graduate without crushing debt.

What You Can Do to Protect Education

If you care about the future of public education, now is the time to take action.

Stay informed. Follow news updates and educate yourself on how education policy affects your community.
Speak out. Contact your local representatives and let them know that you oppose eliminating the Department of Education.
Support public schools. Attend school board meetings, vote in local elections, and advocate for policies that strengthen, rather than weaken, public education.
Encourage others to get involved. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about why education matters and how they can make a difference.

Conclusion

Eliminating the Department of Education would be a catastrophic decision that harms students, teachers, and families across the country. While education reform is necessary, it should focus on improving schools, not dismantling the system. Public education is a fundamental pillar of American society, providing children with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

The future of education should not be left to chance or political games. It should be built on a commitment to excellence, equity, and opportunity for all. Now is the time to stand up for students and demand policies that support—not destroy—public education.

The choices we make today will shape the future of generations to come. Let’s ensure that future includes strong, well-funded schools that give every child a fair chance to succeed.