In response to President Trump’s Executive Order to close the Department of Education, Jane McEnaney, Director of Education Policy Initiatives at State Policy Network, comments on the historic opportunity for states to lead on education reform.

“President Trump’s Executive Order to shut down the Department of Education is a historic step in returning power to the American people and their communities. The Constitution leaves education policy to the states, not the federal government, and for good reason. States and communities, closer and more accountable to the people than a distant Washington, are better suited to meet the needs of students and families.  
 
The question on everyone’s minds then, is this: What’s next? Truly dismantling the Department will require an act from Congress, which seems politically unrealistic. So, what does this EO mean for America’s education system? It signals a shift away from Washington, DC, and towards governors, state lawmakers, and local school boards to provide answers on how to ensure all American children have access to the quality education they need and deserve. And as recent years have shown, the solutions have always been found at the state and local level.”

The states have led on education for decades, with many states passing historic reforms since the pandemic to expand education opportunities for our nation’s children. Thanks to the tireless efforts of this Network, 15 states and counting have passed universal school choice, with many others expanding choice as well.

State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism is also closely monitoring and providing analysis on Trump’s Executive Orders here, with a particular focus on their impact on state and local authority.

For interview requests, please contact Camille Walsh at walsh@spn.org.