Nevada state seal.
Originally posted at 4:15 with update at 4:30 p.m.:
President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order Thursday to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education prompted a swift response from Nevada educators and officials.
Trump’s move followed on a campaign promise to abolish government spending labeled as “inefficient” and had targeted the Education Department, which provides billions in funding for school and college programs. The agency also oversees regulations for at-risk, low-income and homeless students.
Once Trump acted upon his executive order, Nevada Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen immediately released statements in opposition.
“I’m the proud product of the Nevada public school system, and this executive action by President Trump puts Nevada kids last,” Cortez Masto said in her statement. “Gutting the Department of Education could cut teacher pay, eliminate special education programs and leave Nevada at a disadvantage. Trump’s order doesn’t include a single plan to ensure states can effectively and transparently support critical education services. It’s going to make it harder for Nevada families to get ahead and harder for our kids to learn.”
Nevada receives more than $1 billion from the department and had received more than $70 million in federal TRIO programs that give support and counseling to persons coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, according to Rosen’s statement.
“President Trump’s action to attempt to dismantle the Department of Education will gut support for public schools and potentially lead to reduced funding for schools and fewer teachers, all while pushing to give more tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy,” Rosen said.
Republican officials expressed support for the change.
Gov. Joe Lombardo released an op-ed calling Trump's action "one of the most influential reforms yet of his presidency," stating that funding the Education Department has not produced better academic results for students and done the opposite.
"By removing harmful DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies, restoring integrity in women's sports and implementing educational freedom, President Trump has already made significant progress in our schools and universities," Lombardo wrote. "Returning education to the states is the next critical step in President Trump's transformational educational agenda."
Nevada Senate Republican leader Robin Titus also released a statement.
“I believe that the future of our children's education should be in the hands of those who know their needs best — parents, our local communities and state governments,” Titus said. “I support recommended changes as it allows states to take charge of their own educational systems. By taking control, we can ensure a more responsive, efficient, and effective education system for every child in our state. Foundational federal laws – such as Title I and IDEA & Section 504 – will remain intact, ensuring core protections and access. Nevada has remained near the bottom of every educational measurement and it’s not acceptable. Change needs to happen.”
Critical functions such as student loans and grant administration would continue at the federal level, but general oversight would return to the state and local school boards, Trump’s administration asserts.
The Nevada Department of Education said it would work with local education agencies on potential effects from Thursday’s actions.
“The Nevada Department of Education continues to monitor updates regarding the U.S. Department of Education to understand what, if any, impact these changes will have on our state,” according to the NDE. “The U.S. Department of Education has noted that funds will continue to flow to the states. We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for Nevada’s students.”