CONTACT
Jonathan Yang
Marketing and Communications Manager
SETDA
[email protected]

Severe Cuts to U.S. Department of Education
Threaten Stability for Schools and Students

March 12, 2025 (Washington, DC) – Our nation’s students, families, and schools deserve stability and support, not upheaval. Education is the foundation of our country’s success, preparing students for the workforce, civic engagement, and lifelong learning while preparing them to meet the challenges of today and the future. The Secretary of Education’s decision to eliminate nearly 50% of the U.S. Department of Education staff creates unnecessary chaos, making it harder for schools to navigate opportunity and achievement gaps, access resources, and ensure students have the learning experiences they need to succeed.

For decades, USED has played a vital role in supporting communities and states, upholding federal education laws, and protecting students’ rights. No other agency solely focuses on helping schools tackle issues like student achievement, student and family privacy, digital access, and school safety. Decimating this critical support system doesn’t solve problems—it creates new ones.

We need leadership that strengthens education, not weakens it. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Instead of dismantling the structures that help schools serve their communities, including structures designed to help schools best serve students with disabilities and the other students who need additional support, we should be focused on improving them.

SETDA also recognizes the dedicated federal career civil servants who work tirelessly every day to support students, schools, and states. Their expertise and commitment help shape policies and programs that directly impact classrooms across the country. Their work matters, and we are grateful for their service to students and their families.

We urge Congress to take immediate action to safeguard the structures that support our nation’s students, educators, and families. Rather than weakening our education system, we must prioritize solutions that ensure stability and provide the support necessary for a strong and prosperous future—one that secures our nation’s economic strength, global competitiveness, and the well-being of our communities.

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About SETDA

SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations.

For more information, please visit our website setda.org or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter/X.