There’s been some buzz in Washington, D.C., about possibly dismantling the Department of Education. President Trump suggests that states should take the lead in running schools.
He points out that while the U.S. spends more on education per student than any other country, it ranks low in performance. Trump believes local school districts can manage better without federal oversight.
Elsie Arntzen, a former state education superintendent, shares some of this view, but she feels cautious about the term “dismantle.” She thinks it’s essential to start with a thorough review of the education system. “It’s time to think about how we want to fund public education and where accountability should lie,” she said.
On the other hand, Bill Parker, a school trustee on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, worries about the impact of dismantling the Education Department. For him, federal funding is crucial. “Our district relies on it for more than half of our budget,” Parker noted. This reliance makes them anxious about future funding and the financial stability of their schools.
Parker appreciates the idea of community values influencing education. “We want our tribal values to be part of our schools, just as other districts uphold their community values,” he explained.
As these discussions unfold, Arntzen is glad that education is at the forefront. “A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work,” she pointed out. If the focus shifts back to the states with strong accountability, it could lead to positive outcomes for students.
Finding a balance between local control and federal support will be key as the conversation about education policy continues.
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