Nearly 50% of the Department of Education staff to be placed on administrative leave

On Tuesday the Department of Education (DOE) initiated a Reduction In Force (RIF), impacting nearly 50% of the Department’s workforce. The staff will be placed immediately on administrative leave beginning Friday, March 21st.

“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents and teachers,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a statement. “I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”

The department distributes federal grants for programs such as Title I, which assists high-poverty K-12 schools in helping disadvantaged students achieve state academic standards. If the department is dissolved, students will be affected, losing not only access to free school meals but crucial teacher support and accommodations for children with special needs.

Itzel Manriquez, a sophomore at Bakersfield’s Del Oro High School, said that getting rid of the department will affect a lot of high school and college students. “The DOE administers funding programs like Title 1, which helps educate an estimated 2.8 million students that come from low income families. I am not wealthy, I am not poor. I am grateful for everything I have because of my mom who is an immigrant and has worked every day for me to be where I am,” she said. “I cannot afford private schooling so I go to public school. If DOE is removed I will not be able to attend schooling. I will not be going to college.”

Abolishing  DOE would also eliminate student loans and federal aid, which are essential for assisting low-income students in accessing higher education. According to the DOE when President Donald Trump was inaugurated, there were still 4,133 workers and after Tuesday’s layoffs, the department’s workforce will total to about 2,183 workers. The RIF also includes nearly 600 employees who have also opted for voluntary resignation and retirement over the past seven weeks.

The reduction affects all divisions within the Department, with some needing substantial reorganization to improve service to students, parents, educators and taxpayers.