US Department of Education Set to Slash Workforce by Half

The United States Department of Education is poised to reduce its workforce by nearly half, impacting approximately 2,100 employees. The department, which oversees vital educational programs and manages federal student loans, will implement these changes starting March 21. Employees affected by the layoffs will continue receiving their regular pay and benefits until June 9.

With a current staff of 4,133 employees, the department plans to cut around 1,950 positions, leaving approximately 2,183 employees to manage its operations. This significant reduction comes as part of a wider initiative to streamline the department's functions. Despite overseeing a $238 billion annual budget, the Department of Education maintains the smallest staff among the 15 U.S. cabinet-level agencies.

The department, established in 1979, plays a crucial role in administering federal student loans utilized by millions of Americans. It also runs programs designed to assist low-income students and oversees funding for public schools. The impending workforce reduction has sparked criticism from key stakeholders in the education sector.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, condemned the decision in a statement.

"The massive reduction in force at the Education Department is an attack on opportunity that will gut the agency and its ability to support students, throwing federal education programs into chaos across the country." – Randi Weingarten

These planned layoffs will have a considerable impact on the department's capacity to manage ongoing programs effectively. The department has assured that severance packages or retirement pay will be provided based on employees' tenure.

Linda McMahon commented on the department's decision.

"As part of the Department of Education's final mission, the department today initiated a reduction in force impacting nearly 50% of the department's workforce" – Linda McMahon

The announcement has raised concerns about how the department will continue to fulfill its obligations with a significantly reduced workforce. As it stands, the department's responsibilities extend to managing student loans and executing programs that benefit underprivileged students across the country.