State education chief ‘on GOP radar’ launches gameplan for nixing cabinet department
As President-elect Donald Trump continues to plan his cabinet choices, one potential candidate for Secretary of Education is already outlining his vision for the future of the department. Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is advocating for a shift in the department’s responsibilities to states and parents, believing that the federal agency has overstepped its bounds and imposed harmful policies on the education system.
In a memo addressed to Oklahoma parents and school administrators, Walters expresses his concerns about the Department of Education’s influence on curriculum and policies in schools. He aims to address issues such as ending “social indoctrination” in classrooms and promoting patriotism through educational materials.
Walters plans to establish a Trump Education Advisory Team to align schools with the incoming administration’s education policies. With Trump signaling his intention to close the Department of Education and return control to the states, Walters is preparing for a potential restructuring of federal programs and legislative recommendations.
During a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump reiterated his plan to close the Department of Education and delegate education responsibilities to the states. He emphasized the need for a swift transition and mentioned potential candidates for the Secretary of Education position, including former Rep. Lee Zeldin and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Walters, who is also being considered for the role, is committed to implementing Trump’s education agenda and ensuring that schools are aligned with conservative principles. He believes that reducing federal influence will lead to improved student performance and less bureaucratic interference in education.
In addition to addressing curriculum and policies, Walters is focused on empowering parents and promoting school choice. He envisions a system that operates without the influence of teachers’ unions and provides more flexibility for states to tailor education to their specific needs.
As discussions about the future of the Department of Education continue, Walters remains optimistic about the potential for significant changes in the education system. He believes that aligning schools with Trump’s agenda will have a lasting impact on the economy, job market, and overall educational outcomes.
While Walters and others advocate for a shift in education policy, Rep. Barry Moore has introduced a bill to abolish the Department of Education. The proposal is currently under review in Congress, reflecting broader debates about the role of the federal government in education.
As the Trump administration prepares to transition, Walters and his team are poised to implement changes that prioritize state control and parental involvement in education. Their efforts align with Trump’s vision for a more decentralized education system that reflects conservative values and promotes academic excellence.
