What’s the impact on Arizona schools if Trump dismantles Education Department?

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Nearly 20% of all funding for public schools comes from the federal government to support low-income students, special education and even school lunches. However, reports say President Trump may sign an executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.

Beth Lewis, a long-time teacher and director of Save Our Schools Arizona, says the impact in Arizona could be drastic.

“Our schools will cease to exist in any way, shape or form like what we know of public education today,” she said.

The Department of Education was created by Congress in 1979 to help distribute federal grants for high-poverty, K-12 schools and special education programs.

They also collect data research from schools and offer guidance on classroom practices.

The Trump administration’s plan is to get the federal government out of education and give that power back to the states. State Superintendent Tom Horne believes cutting out the financial middleman will be beneficial.

“The money for competitive grants could also be directed back to the states. There is no reason to filter funds through federal bureaucracy,” Horne said.

In the meantime, Lewis hopes something will be done to protect the department and our public schools.

“You know, I think it will backfire. I truly do. I think that Americans, Arizonans really love public schools, and I think that the Trump administration is truly playing with fire,” Lewis said.

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