Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). This move is not just about cutting bureaucracy, but about returning control of education to the local communities that know their students best. As we look toward a future where education serves the interests of children, families, and taxpayers, it’s clear that the current system needs fundamental reform.
For decades, the Department of Education has expanded its reach, imposing one-size-fits-all solutions that have failed to meet the diverse needs of students across our nation. The reality is the federal government has overextended its reach into local classrooms. Washington bureaucrats, who are far removed from the challenges faced by school districts, have been dictating what can and cannot be taught, leading to educational policies such as Critical Race Theory, which are not in the best interests of students. From the rise of radical curricula to the push for policies that prioritize ideological agendas over academic achievement, the DOE has often failed to deliver the results we expect for our children.
Parents, teachers, and local school boards should have the authority to determine what’s best for their children. By eliminating the Department of Education, we can empower communities to take control of their educational systems, ensuring that decisions are made by those who understand the unique needs of their students.
Local control means that parents will have a stronger voice in their children’s education. It allows communities to tailor curricula and resources to meet the specific needs of their students, whether that’s focusing on special education programs, expanding vocational training, or offering advanced placement courses for gifted students. Education should not be a one-size-fits-all model imposed from Washington, D.C., but rather a dynamic system shaped by local values and priorities.
Eliminating the DOE would also give states the power to set their own educational standards and funding priorities. This decentralization ensures that states can tailor their policies to meet the unique needs of their populations, without being tied to one-size-fits-all federal mandates that may not make sense for every region.
As Conservative Republicans we believe in the principle of subsidiarity—decisions should be made at the most local level possible. In education, this means that states and school districts should be in control, with parents leading the way.
The decision to dismantle the DOE is a step toward returning education to its rightful place: in the hands of those who care most about it— parents. The same could be said for the school choice debate here in Texas. For far too long woke educators have infiltrated Texas classrooms and left parents in the dark. Now is the time to ensure no child is left behind in failing schools. By eliminating federal overreach and expanding school choice options, we empower parents to choose the best educational path for their children, whether through charter schools, private institutions, or homeschooling. Every child deserves an education that aligns with their needs and values, and by putting decision-making back in the hands of parents and local communities, we can ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve. The future of education in Texas should be one where parents, not bureaucrats, are in charge of shaping their children’s success. It’s time to put Texas kids first.