As Trump pushes to eliminate Department of Education, school leaders look to state for guidance – The Times of India

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, aimed at dismantling the US Department of Education. The move fulfills a longstanding campaign promise to conservatives, pledging to return control of education to the states. The order proposes eliminating the department’s functions, although fully closing it would require Congressional approval.
While Trump emphasized that the order would “begin to eliminate” the department, leaders of local school districts are unsure of how this significant change will impact their students. Many are still awaiting clarity from state officials as they closely monitor developments.
Local districts respond cautiously
Heather Leas, public relations director at West Fargo Public Schools, stated that it is still too early to predict the effects on the district. “The number of staff at the DOE has no direct impact on operations at WFPS,” Leas said, as quoted by The Forum. She explained that there are many steps required for the department’s closure, making it difficult for districts to plan accordingly.
Meanwhile, AnnMarie Campbell, chief communications officer for Fargo Public Schools, emphasized the importance of waiting for further guidance. “We will wait for information and guidance from the state,” she said in an interview with The Forum. The Fargo district is currently on spring break, which has further delayed immediate discussions.
School districts brace for potential changes
At Moorhead Area Public Schools, district leaders are keeping a close eye on developments related to the potential closure of the US Department of Education. Brenda Richman, executive director of public relations, assured the public that the district’s focus remains on providing a high-quality education. “Our top priority continues to be providing a high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of our students,” Richman said, as quoted by The Forum.
Trump’s executive order also proposes significant layoffs, with nearly half of the Department of Education’s staff facing job cuts. However, US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized that essential funding programs for K-12 students and special needs children would continue, despite the potential restructuring of the department.
As local districts await further instructions from state officials, the impact of this major change on education in the US remains uncertain.