U.S. Department of Education Slashes Workforce by Nearly 50%
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a massive reduction in its workforce, cutting nearly 50% of its staff. This move will eliminate more than 1,300 positions, including nearly 600 employees who accepted voluntary buyouts.
According to the department, its workforce will decrease from approximately 4,133 employees to about 2,183 after the cuts. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers.”
Despite the significant workforce reduction, the Department of Education maintains that it will continue to deliver on all statutory programs, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking. All divisions within the department are impacted by the reduction, with some requiring significant reorganization to better serve stakeholders.
The cuts are part of a broader government strategy to reduce the federal workforce, focusing on eliminating non-mandated functions and enhancing efficiency in statutorily required functions. This move follows a February guidance memo from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directing agencies to achieve large-scale reductions through attrition and eliminating non-required positions.
Impacted employees will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21 and will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, along with substantial severance pay or retirement benefits based on their length of service. Nearly 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired over the past two months.
AFGE Local 252 President Sheria Smith expressed opposition to the cuts, stating, “We will fight these draconian cuts and urge all Americans to stand up and contact their Members of Congress…to protect the Department of Education’s vital work, working people, and our Nation by rejecting these political games.”
The reduction is framed as part of the department’s “final mission” under Secretary Linda McMahon, aiming to restore the greatness of the U.S. education system by focusing resources on core priorities. This move reflects a shift in policy priorities under the current administration, emphasizing streamlined government operations and redirection of resources to essential functions.
As the Department of Education undergoes this significant transformation, the impact on ongoing teacher shortages and educational programs across the country remains to be seen. Stakeholders in the education sector will be closely monitoring the effects of these cuts on the department’s ability to fulfill its mission and support America’s students and educators.