Education Department Eliminates Special Ed Office Amid Shutdown Layoffs Reports Union

The U.S. Department of Education recently initiated significant layoffs, primarily affecting the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, amidst the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Elimination of Special Education Oversight

The removal primarily impacted those administering the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds. According to a staff member, nearly the entire unit responsible for IDEA funding was terminated.

Wider Impact of Layoffs

• Approximately 460 education department employees let go, constituting around 20% of the workforce.
• Nearly 90% of the department’s workforce is also currently furloughed.
• The TRIO college access program was impacted, with several employees terminated.

Rachel Gittleman, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, emphasized the potential negative impact on K-12 students nationwide due to these layoffs.

Union and Court Challenges

The employee union opposed the terminations, taking legal action to contest this decision. Their focus remains on restoring staff to mitigate potential disruptions in educational services for students with disabilities.

Future of IDEA Oversight

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has reiterated her commitment to ensuring resources for students with disabilities. However, she suggested that oversight of IDEA funding might be better managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, pending congressional approval.

In response to the changes, Glenna Wright-Gallo, former assistant secretary, urged parents and advocates to pay more attention to local and state support systems amid federal oversight reductions.

The Trump administration’s workforce reduction was part of a strategy to exert pressure on congressional Democrats concerning the government shutdown, spanning over half a dozen federal agencies. The overall impact on educational operations and federal oversight remains uncertain, as observed by stakeholders and observers.