The purpose of the federal Department of Education (DOE) is to level the playing field and close opportunity gaps for students across the country. In a recent letter to the editor, Meriden Federation of Teachers President Lauren Mancini-Averitt (speaking in photo, above) shared why dismantling the agency will harm local communities like hers. She made the case for protecting kids’ “right to an education that imparts academic lessons, life skills and a lifelong love of learning:”
There is no one in this country that is not for government efficiency, a less bureaucratic society, and a streamlining of what society needs. What we are against is nonsensical and non-efficient changes to society.
The Department of Education provided much needed money to school districts, to food programs, to special education programs and title funds that go directly to students within Connecticut.
Now we are faced with a budget crunch, a loss of an unknown amount and no knowledge to move forward. This lack of pause and attention is going to make school districts and schools rely on cutting programs, staff and running less efficiently as we have no time to plan, prepare and set ourselves up for success.
Public education is wildly popular. Parents, regardless of political affiliation, want to see our public schools nurtured and thriving. Our public education system serves 90% of America’s children. That’s nearly 50 million children. A Marist poll says that 63% of Americans oppose eliminating the Department of Education. So why do it?
Every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family earns. Public schools and the DOE exist because students, with and without disabilities, in every state and neighborhood have the right to an education that imparts academic lessons, life skills and a lifelong love of learning.
Without a fully functioning Department of Education, we are certain to see: fewer qualified teachers in classrooms, an end to tutoring programs and remedial services for students at Title I schools, less impact for our special education laws, more students with disabilities unable to learn, and more unchecked discrimination against students of color, girls, and others who face harassment and bias.
Again efficient yes, elimination NO!
Editor’s note: Mancini-Averitt’s original letter to the editor was published in The Record-Journal.
