Nebraska Department of Education responds to executive order dismantling federal department
President Trump signed an executive order to shift power to states; it must pass through Congress.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A significant shift in the education system could be on the horizon. One of President Donald Trump’s latest executive orders pushes for the closure of the Department of Education, transferring power back to the states.
But what would that look like?
The executive order, signed on March 20, directs the Department of Education to begin transferring control of education policy back to individual states. However, this would take time and an act of Congress.
The order titled ‘Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities’ states that education authority should be returned to local government.
According to the Education Commission of the States, shifting federal education responsibilities to the states could lead to a patchwork system where policies vary significantly.
Supporters say this would allow states to better address local needs and give them more flexibility.
Meanwhile, critics argue it could weaken national education standards and create funding disparities amongst states.
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) said it is ready for changes, should they come.
Here’s a statement from the Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Brian Maher:
The Commissioner is urging parents and communities to remain calm, repeating throughout the statement ‘We will not panic.’
Emphasizing that while discussions are ongoing, nothing will change immediately. As for now, operations will continue as normal.
To read more on the executive order, click here.
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