As the Trump administration faces increasing challenges, one federal department is adhering closely to its agenda. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, a strong proponent of school vouchers, has consistently expressed her disdain for public education while pushing for privatization. Now, she’s taking concrete steps to fulfill her agenda of reducing federal involvement in public schools and promoting school choice.
This week, President Trump and Secretary DeVos will unveil next year’s education budget, which proposes a staggering $10.6 billion reduction in funding for educational programs that primarily assist the most vulnerable students—a significant 13.6% cut to the overall budget. In contrast, $1.4 billion will be redirected to bolster school choice initiatives.
Approximately $1 billion will be taken from Title I funds, which support the education of low-income children, to finance the new Furthering Options for Children to Unlock Success (FOCUS) grant program. This funding will only be available to districts that offer school choice options. Critics, including the Center for American Progress, have labeled these proposals as “Robin Hood in reverse,” arguing that they shift resources away from high-poverty areas to wealthier districts.
So, who stands to benefit?
- School Vouchers: The budget allocates additional funds to expand and research voucher programs, enabling low-income students to attend private or religious schools.
- Charter Schools: Funding for charter schools would increase by 50%, totaling $500 million.
- Security for Betsy DeVos: The budget requests an additional $158 million for her staff salaries, despite an overall reduction in Department of Education personnel. Notably, DeVos is receiving protection from U.S. Marshals, costing the department an extra $1 million each month.
On the other hand, who will suffer?
Programs designed to support students across various educational levels will be adversely affected. Senator Mark Thompson, a leading Democrat on the education committee, stated, “This budget will undermine communities by cutting funding for after-school programs, college grants for struggling students, and training for teachers and principals, among many other critical services.”
- Student Loan Forgiveness: The proposed budget would eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which allows graduates working in low-paying public service jobs to have their student loans forgiven after ten years.
- After-school and Summer Programs: The 21st Century Community Learning Centers, benefiting nearly 2 million disadvantaged students, would face funding cuts.
- Federal College Work-Study: The budget cuts funding for the federal work-study program, which assists 670,000 college students, by half.
- Pell Grants: Although the largest federal grant program for low-income families will not be entirely eliminated, its budget could be reduced by nearly $4 billion, while the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program would be entirely scrapped.
Moreover, various other programs could either be cut significantly or eliminated altogether, including arts education, special education for high-need students, adult literacy programs, and childcare assistance for low-income parents pursuing higher education.
As Secretary DeVos prepares to testify before the House Appropriations Committee, it’s important to recognize the political complexities surrounding this budget. As highlighted by the Los Angeles Times, cutting public school funding to promote vouchers could backfire, particularly in rural areas that depend heavily on public education.
Amidst the myriad of scandals enveloping the administration, it’s essential not to lose sight of the policy agenda focused on privatizing education. Don’t just hope for a rejection of this budget; actively reach out to your representatives and voice your concerns.
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In summary, Betsy DeVos’s education budget poses a significant threat to public education, particularly for disadvantaged students. With substantial cuts to vital programs and a strong focus on privatization, the implications for future generations could be severe.