Nevada Democrats Vow to Fight Education Department Dissolution
Potential changes too US Department of Education Spark Debate in Nevada
Table of Contents
- Potential changes too US Department of Education Spark Debate in Nevada
- Potential Changes to teh US Department of Education: A nevada Perspective
- Introduction
- Key Issues and Questions
- 1. What did President Trump’s executive order regarding the Department of Education entail?
- 2. What are the primary arguments for and against abolishing the Department of Education?
- 3. What actions need to be taken to abolish the Department of Education?
- 4. How might the executive order affect funding for Nevada schools?
- 5.What are the concerns surrounding changes to special education programs?
- 6. How does Nevada currently fund its schools?
- 7. What roles do the Nevada Department of Education and local schools play in the state’s education system?
- 8. What are the potential impacts, as communicated by the Nevada Department of Education?
- 9. What are the immediate actions being taken, according to the State Department?
- Summary of Funding Sources per Student in Nevada
Published: Sunday,March 23,2025
Democratic congressmen in Nevada have pledged to oppose legislative approvals required to formally abolish the U.S. Department of Education.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the Secretary of Education to take all necessary measures to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return the authority on education to the local states and communities, simultaneously occurring guaranteeing the effective and uninterrupted benefit of the services, programs and benefits on which the Americans depend.
The order aligns with a Trump campaign promise and the Conservative Plan Project 2025. however, it does not immediately close the Department of Education.
Prior to the order, the Trump management reportedly fired or offered compensation to half of the agency’s staff. Abolishing the agency requires Congressional approval, including a qualified majority in the Senate, necessitating agreement from all Republicans and several Democrats.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., stated on Thursday that she would not support the measure.
This shameful move is going to harm Nevada students by putting the programs on which they depend the most in the guillotine… Threatens the future of our children, and I will oppose this illegal attempt to dismantle our educational system.
U.S. Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., posted on social media that the order is
about removing money from our students at greater risk so that Trump can reward their rich friends with tax deductions. It’s disgusting. I have spent my career fighting for children and we’ll fight against this illegal action.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., stated that Trump’s approach to the Department of Education puts children last.
Dismantling the education department could reduce the salary of teachers, eliminate special education programs and leave Nevada at a disadvantage. Trump’s order does not include a single plan to ensure that states can effectively and transparently support crucial educational services.
Experts suggest that trump’s efforts to eliminate the department and reduce its staff would limit learning opportunities for many students.
The Department of Education manages $15 billion in funds for approximately 7.5 million students receiving special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, according to the National education Association.
While Congressional approval is needed to eliminate these funds, the association suggests that transferring funds elsewhere could lead to a less restrictive environment,
potentially violating integration requirements for these students.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk have pointed their demolition ball to public schools and the future of the 50 million students in rural, suburban and urban communities from all over the United States, dismantling public education to pay fiscal alms to billionaires.
The group also stated that dismantling the department could increase class sizes, eliminate support for students with disabilities, and cut job training programs.
According to the Education Data Initiative, Nevada K-12 schools spend $8,866 per student in state funds, $2,052 per student in federal funds, and $1,879 in local funds. Federal government money accounts for approximately 16% of total per-student funding in the state.
federal funds are crucial for special education services and Title I programs for low-income students, as well as Title III programs for English language learners.
The Nevada Department of Education released a statement saying:
The Nevada Department of Education continues to supervise the updates related to the US Department of Education to understand what impact,if there is,they will have these changes in our state.The US Department of Education has indicated that the funds will continue to flow to the states. we continue to work in collaboration with all interested parties to guarantee the best results for Nevada students.
The State Education department has received $311.1 million in federal funds this fiscal year and is on track to receive $438.5 million for the year.
The State Department shared a March 14 letter from a deputy secretary of the U.S.Department of Education, stating that recent job eliminations were strategic cuts that will not directly affect students and families, but will empower states and localities.
The letter indicated that the dismissals did not include employees of the Office of Special Education program, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, or the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education who supervise the distribution, monitoring, and management of Title funds.The letter assured that funds would continue to flow normally and program functions would not be interrupted.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the return of control to the states.
Education is fundamentally state obligation.Instead of filtering resources thru federal bureaucracy layers, we will empower states to take over and defend and implement what is best for students, families and educators in their communities.
Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, expressed support for Trump’s plan to return the control of our educational system to the states, which is were it must be,
in an opinion piece.
The role of the government should be empowering, not regulating in excess, and this measure will allow a more localized, innovative and responsible education method that really addresses the needs of our students, families and educators.
local schools and school districts already have significant operational control over K-12 schools.
The Nevada Department of Education establishes academic criteria and curricular content.School commissions approve policies and regulations made by district personnel, sometimes to adjust to state laws.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, who is running for governor in 2026, stated that Trump’s plan is not a reform.
The Trump measure puts millions of children, from which they have all the advantages and attend their local public school to those who depend on financial aid, children with disabilities and those in schools with insufficient funds.It’s not about improving education. It’s about destroying it.
Potential Changes to teh US Department of Education: A nevada Perspective
Published: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Introduction
President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the US Department of Education has sparked meaningful debate, particularly in Nevada. This Q&A-style article will explore the potential impacts of this order on Nevada’s education system, considering various viewpoints and factual information.
Key Issues and Questions
1. What did President Trump’s executive order regarding the Department of Education entail?
On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to take all necessary measures to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to local states and communities. This aligns with a campaign promise and elements of the Conservative Plan Project 2025. The order does not immediately close the department.
2. What are the primary arguments for and against abolishing the Department of Education?
Arguments in Favor:
Proponents, like Nevada governor Joe Lombardo, argue that returning control to states will allow for more localized, innovative, and responsible education methods.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasizes the idea that education is fundamentally a state responsibility and that states should be empowered to determine what is best.
Arguments Against:
Opponents, including Democratic congressmen in Nevada, express concerns about potential harm to students.
Senator Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., believes that the order will harm Nevada students by putting programs they depend on at risk.
Representative Susie Lee,D-Nev., suggests the order is about removing funds from at-risk students to benefit wealthy individuals through tax deductions
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., argues that dismantling the department could reduce teacher salaries, eliminate special education programs, and disadvantage Nevada.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford views this as an attempt to destroy education and not reform it
3. What actions need to be taken to abolish the Department of Education?
Abolishing the Department of Education requires Congressional approval, including a qualified majority in the Senate.
4. How might the executive order affect funding for Nevada schools?
The Department of Education manages $15 billion in funds for approximately 7.5 million students receiving special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Federal funds are crucial for special education,Title I programs for low-income students,and Title III programs for English language learners.
The Nevada Department of Education has received $311.1 million in federal funds this fiscal year and is projected to receive $438.5 million for the year.
Federal funds account for approximately 16% of total per-student funding in the state. A letter from the U.S. Department of Education indicated that funds would continue to flow to the states. The Nevada Department of Education is monitoring updates to understand any potential impacts.
5.What are the concerns surrounding changes to special education programs?
The National Education Association suggests that transferring funds elsewhere could lead to a less restrictive surroundings, potentially violating integration requirements for students with disabilities in special education.
6. How does Nevada currently fund its schools?
According to the education Data Initiative, Nevada K-12 schools spend:
$8,866 per student in state funds.
$2,052 per student in federal funds.
$1,879 per student in local funds.
7. What roles do the Nevada Department of Education and local schools play in the state’s education system?
the Nevada Department of Education sets academic standards and curriculum content.
Local school districts already have significant operational control. School commissions approve policies and regulations made by district personnel.
8. What are the potential impacts, as communicated by the Nevada Department of Education?
The Nevada Department of Education is monitoring updates related to the US Department of Education to understand the impact, if any, on Nevada.
The US Department of Education has indicated that funds will continue to flow to the states.
The Nevada Department of Education is working in collaboration with all stakeholders to guarantee the best results for Nevada students.
9. What are the immediate actions being taken, according to the State Department?
The State Department shared a March 14 letter from a deputy secretary of the U.S.Department of Education, stating that recent job eliminations were strategic cuts that will not directly affect students and families, but will empower states and localities.
The dismissals did not include employees of the Office of Special education program, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, or the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, which manage federal program funds.
The letter assured funds would continue to flow normally, and program functions would not be interrupted.
Summary of Funding Sources per Student in Nevada
| Funding Source | Per-Student Spending |
| :—————- | :——————- |
| State Funds | $8,866 |
| Federal Funds | $2,052 |
| Local Funds | $1,879 |
| Total | $12,797 |