Empowering Parents: The Case for Abolishing the Federal Education Department

Years before I served as the governor of Arkansas or held the role of White House press secretary, I embarked on a journey to Washington as an eager college graduate. My first job was at the Department of Education, where I envisioned making significant changes. However, I quickly learned that much of my time went toward changing coffee filters rather than effecting meaningful improvements.

This experience left me with a powerful realization that resonates today: it is time to abolish the federal Department of Education.

As a mother of three, I understand that every child is unique, and learning styles vary significantly, even among siblings. It is illogical to think that all children across the diverse communities in America share identical educational needs or aspirations. Yet, this is exactly how the Department of Education operates.

The Burden of Bureaucracy

The federal agency, which handles billions of dollars in funding, functions primarily as a pass-through between Congress and schools. Unfortunately, it also fosters a complex web of regulations that complicates access to resources. Instead of supporting our states’ education systems, faceless federal bureaucrats dictate what happens in our local classrooms.

By eliminating the Department of Education, we could streamline federal funding, ensuring it reaches communities directly without requiring states to navigate through cumbersome regulatory obstacles.

Presidential Perspectives on Education Reform

President Donald Trump clearly recognizes this issue, targeting the Department of Education as a prime instance of government overreach and inefficiency. For decades, Republicans have vowed to abolish this department. Now, with a decisive mandate from the electorate, Trump has the opportunity to make this vision a reality.

Moreover, parents nationwide are becoming increasingly aware of the inefficiencies and lack of accountability within our education systems. Recent data from the Nation’s Report Card reveals that there has been little to no improvement in math, science, and reading scores over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, per-pupil spending has reached unprecedented levels. A significant change is necessary.

Returning Control to Local Communities

The solution lies in re-empowering state and local authorities. One of my first initiatives as Governor involved passing the LEARNS Act, a sweeping reform of Arkansas’ education system. This legislation raised starting teacher salaries from $36,000 to $50,000, propelling our state from 48th to the top five nationally. Additionally, we deployed 120 literacy coaches across schools and established universal school choice for all students.

What is effective in California may not yield similar results in Arkansas, and different families have different needs. This realization is why our focus remains on enhancing educational choices—families should decide where their children receive an education, not bureaucrats or local ZIP codes.

Moving Away from Indoctrination

We are also working diligently to remove indoctrination from our educational systems. Just as Trump aims to eradicate policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in federal agencies, we must prioritize core academic subjects like reading, writing, and math. Our children are in the midst of an educational crisis, and it’s vital we address it with evidence-based instruction rather than political agendas.

A Heartfelt Story of Transformation

Upon taking office, I learned about a boy named Jack, who faced tremendous challenges with learning disabilities. Jack did not conform to the outdated, one-size-fits-all education model that once dominated Arkansas. His parents sought the resources their local school district failed to provide. Sadly, Jack experienced bullying, fell behind academically, and even attempted to escape school, culminating in a heartbreaking ordeal.

Because of the implementation of Education Freedom Accounts, Jack’s parents could enroll him in a specialized school that catered to his needs. Today, he is thriving. This story exemplifies how choice can not only create educational opportunities but also restore hope and safety for vulnerable students.

Education as a Pathway to Success

When education systems function optimally, they can set even the most struggling children on a path to success. However, when frameworks are imposed from the top down, they often fail to meet the needs of diverse learners. It is essential to reverse the centralization of education by dismantling the Department of Education and giving power back to states and local communities.

Furthermore, empowering parents and students to shape their educational journeys is crucial. Families should have the authority to select the educational environments that best suit their children’s individual needs, ensuring every student receives the education they require and deserve.

Charting a New Course for Education

It is time to take decisive action. Abolishing the Department of Education will facilitate a flexible and personalized education system, ensuring that all children in America can succeed. By empowering communities and prioritizing the unique needs of families, we have the opportunity to transform the educational landscape for future generations.