In a sweeping and controversial move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that directs the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, a decision that has sparked significant concern among public education advocates in South Dakota and beyond. This executive order, signed on March 20, 2025, instructs Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to dismantle the department while returning education authority to state control, a promise frequently made by Trump during his campaign.
Sandra Waltman, director of public affairs for the South Dakota Education Association, articulated her fears over the implications of such a decision. "If you close down the Department of Education without a plan for ensuring that programs like Title I and special education services continue, then what happens to the students who depend on them?" she questioned, emphasizing the chaotic situation unfolding as the federal education landscape shifts.
The executive order arrives amid a tumultuous backdrop, including a recent 50% reduction in the department's staff and the ongoing debates surrounding the state of education in America. Rob Monson, the executive director of School Administrators of South Dakota, also expressed urgent concerns. "What we need to know is if there’s an implementation plan," he said. "If not, we’re really at a loss for what to do next." Schools, as Monson pointed out, strategically plan their budgets generally a year in advance. This uncertainty means that many districts could face drastic staffing adjustments, especially before contract renewals in mid-April.
This fear of uncertainty surrounding funding is particularly acute given that South Dakota's K-12 system is the second-most reliant on federal aid in the nation. According to the Pew Research Center, the state receives substantial financial contributions from the federal government for essential programs. In the fiscal year 2024, South Dakota took in $66.4 million for Pell grants, $57.8 million for Title I funding, $48.1 million from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and an additional $30.7 million for vocational education grants.
The shifting of federal funds into state-managed block grants has also raised alarms. Dianna Miller, a lobbyist for large public schools in South Dakota, expressed her apprehension over the possible repercussions. "My biggest fear is that when you turn this over to the state, it becomes state money, and we know how that can go," she warned, reflecting on the reduction in educational budgets already faced earlier this year.
Navigating this precarious landscape is particularly important for South Dakota's universities. Students at these institutions often rely on federal student loans, and the potential disruption of these financial pipelines could hinder enrollment. Waltman pointed out the cascading effects this could have, saying, "We’re just starting to bounce back in enrollment. If students can’t access federal aid, what will that do to our universities?" Such concerns echo throughout academic institutions that fear a trickle-down effect from changes made at the federal level.
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, has openly supported Trump's recent actions after previously introducing legislation aimed at abolishing the Department of Education. Rounds remarked, "The federal bureaucracy of education has never educated a single student. It’s time to shut it down," highlighting his belief that this closure will allow for more state control over educational matters.
Rounds is reportedly working on new legislation that would preserve critical programs while transferring education decisions back to states and local districts. He believes such adjustments can maintain the integrity of services like Title I and special education. In his words, "We are discussing this legislation with Secretary McMahon, and we believe there is a very good path forward." However, critics argue that the potential loss of structured oversight could undermine vital support systems for students across the nation.
The practical implications of Trump's executive order set into motion an immediate "Reduction in Force" (RIF) that is set to impact nearly half of the Department of Education’s workforce, reducing staff from more than 4,000 to approximately 2,200. This marks a significant downsizing that could disrupt federal programs just as educators and administrators are preparing for the upcoming academic year.
The situation remains fluid, and the department's future is uncertain. While Secretary McMahon stated that it takes an act of Congress to abolish the department officially, she is tasked with facilitating its closure. This complicated legislative landscape requires a minimum of 60 votes in the Senate to effectively dismantle an institution that has been a fixture in American education since its establishment by Congress in 1979.
Commentaries from educational institutions have surfaced, emphasizing the need for caution and organization during this period of potential upheaval. The University of Oklahoma released a statement drafted by President Joseph Harroz, Jr., assuring students that financial aid availability should remain unaffected as the situation is assessed.
Furthermore, the Oklahoma Education Association, through President Carl Elledge, echoed similar sentiments, urging vigilance as the fate of federal education policies hangs in the balance.
As teachers, administrators, and educational advocates brace for the implications of the Trump administration's bold move, the future of American education remains at a significant crossroads. The direction taken now could redefine the landscape of education in the U.S., impacting countless students and educators nationwide.
