President Donald Trump has signed an order to shut down the Department of Education.
Gatekeepers News reports that the signing ceremony was attended by Republican Governors, state education officials, and a group of schoolchildren.
The president said the shutdown would take effect as soon as possible, adding that the department was ineffective and that control of education should be returned to the states.
He said, “ My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We’re gonna shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s doing us no good. We want to return our students to the states.”
The executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the department’s closure.
It also directs her to ensure the continuation of essential services, such as federal student loans, Pell Grants, and Title I funding for low-income schools.
According to the Department of Education in a statement; the order is a history-making action that will free future generations of American students and forge opportunities for their success.
The department noted that it does not operate schools or set curricula, as that responsibility lies with states and local districts, stating that Federal funding accounts for only about 13% of primary and secondary school budgets.
The Education Department assured that its closure will not stop essential funding for students with special needs and college programs and pledged to work with Congress and state leaders to ensure a lawful and orderly transition.
