Public school officials in Michigan have seized on recent workforce reductions at the U.S. Department of Education, raising concerns about their potential impact. However, despite the rhetoric, these changes will have little effect on Michigan’s education funding or student outcomes. Lawmakers should focus on effective state-level education policies rather than reacting to federal staffing adjustments.
Federal Education Department Workforce Reduction
In March, the U.S. Department of Education reduced its workforce from 4,133 to 2,183 employees, according to an official press release. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that the staff reduction aligns with the department’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources benefit students, parents, and teachers.
Importantly, this workforce reduction does not affect the more than $2 billion in federal funding allocated to Michigan’s education programs. Nor does it signal the department’s elimination, which would require congressional action. The department remains responsible for administering crucial education programs, including student loans, Pell Grants, special education funding, and competitive grants.
Minimal Impact on Michigan Schools
Michigan schools rely on the federal government for only about 10% of their total funding. Any changes to this portion would require legislative approval at the federal level. State and local sources account for roughly 90% of school funding, and this share has increased significantly in recent years.
Despite a 30% inflation-adjusted increase in education spending since 2013, Michigan continues to lag behind most states in reading and math proficiency. The state’s students have yet to recover from pandemic-related learning losses, underscoring the need for more effective policies rather than a focus on federal staffing levels.
The Real Issue: Student Achievement
Rather than worrying about workforce changes at the federal level, Michigan school officials and legislators should prioritize strategies that directly improve student outcomes. Recent efforts, such as legislation targeting literacy and teacher recruitment, are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
One promising approach is expanding educational options for K-12 students. Over 30 states have adopted policies such as tax credits and education savings accounts, giving families greater choice when local schools fail to meet expectations. Implementing similar policies in Michigan could provide students with better learning opportunities and help close achievement gaps.
The recent downsizing of the U.S. Department of Education will have little direct effect on Michigan schools. Instead, state lawmakers must focus on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively to improve student performance. By investing in initiatives that expand educational opportunities and address learning deficits, Michigan can make meaningful progress toward academic excellence.
