Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is making a strong case for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and shifting control over education policy back to the states and parents. In a recently published Fox News op-ed titled “Get rid of the Education Department. Give power to parents,” Sanders outlined her argument against federal oversight of education and why she believes local communities should have full authority over their children’s schooling.
Sanders, who currently serves as the governor of Arkansas, reflected on her early career experience working at the Department of Education. She recalled going to Washington, D.C., with high hopes of making a difference, only to find herself caught up in bureaucratic inefficiency. Her takeaway from that time was clear: the federal agency was a costly middleman that did little to improve the quality of education in America.
“I walked away with one, crystal-clear lesson: it’s time to abolish the federal Department of Education,” Sanders stated in her op-ed.
Her primary concern is that the Department of Education imposes unnecessary regulations and red tape that hinder the ability of states and local school districts to make decisions tailored to their students’ needs. According to Sanders, the agency primarily acts as a financial middleman, transferring funds from Congress to schools but burdening the process with complicated restrictions.
“Eliminating the Department would allow federal dollars to flow freely to our communities – without forcing states to jump through hoops to get it,” she explained.
Sanders also pointed to the stagnant results of the American education system despite increased spending. Citing The Nation’s Report Card, she highlighted how scores in reading, math, and science have not improved significantly over the past two decades, even though the amount of money spent per student has risen sharply.
She argued that the solution lies in shifting power away from federal authorities and giving states, communities, and parents the ability to shape education policies. As an example of effective state-led reform, Sanders pointed to the LEARNS Act, a major overhaul of Arkansas’ education system that she signed into law early in her tenure as governor.
The LEARNS Act included several key changes, such as increasing starting teacher salaries from $36,000 to $50,000, deploying literacy coaches in schools, and expanding school choice programs that allow families to choose the best education setting for their children. The initiative, she said, was driven by the recognition that education is not a “one-size-fits-all” system and that different students have different needs.
“What works in California may not work in Arkansas, and what works for one family may not work for another. That’s why we are putting such a focus on choice: families, not bureaucrats or ZIP codes, should decide where their kids go to school,” she wrote.
In addition to addressing structural reforms, Sanders emphasized the need to eliminate political agendas from the classroom. She expressed concern that some schools are prioritizing ideological teaching over essential subjects like reading, writing, and math. She aligned her views with former President Donald Trump’s stance on education, stating that both she and Trump are committed to removing what they see as “anti-American wokeness” from schools and federal agencies.
As part of her argument, Sanders shared the story of a student named Jack, who struggled in a traditional school environment due to learning disabilities. Under the old system, his parents had limited options and could not secure the support he needed. As a result, he faced severe bullying and academic setbacks. However, with the introduction of Arkansas’ Education Freedom Accounts, Jack’s family was able to enroll him in a specialized school where he is now thriving. Sanders sees this as a powerful example of why school choice can be life-changing for students who do not fit within the conventional public school model.
“Choice gave Jack not just an opportunity to feel safe, but a pathway to a great future,” she wrote.
Her argument is rooted in the belief that returning education policy decisions to the states will lead to more tailored solutions that better serve students. She contends that local educators and parents are in a better position to understand the specific needs of children in their communities than federal officials in Washington.
Sanders also voiced support for President Trump’s broader agenda to rein in federal spending and decentralize government authority. She noted that Trump has identified the Department of Education as an example of bureaucratic waste and has made abolishing it a priority of his administration. While previous Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan, have advocated for eliminating the agency, Sanders believes that Trump has both the “mandate and the will” to finally accomplish the goal.
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The governor’s call to dismantle the Department of Education aligns with a growing movement within conservative circles to increase parental control over education. Many Republicans argue that school choice initiatives, such as voucher programs and charter school expansions, empower families by giving them alternatives to traditional public schools. Critics, however, warn that eliminating the Department of Education could create disparities in educational opportunities across states and weaken federal oversight in critical areas like civil rights protections and funding for disadvantaged students.
Sanders, however, remains firm in her stance. “It’s time to abolish the Department of Education, return power to the states, and empower every parent and student to get the education they need and deserve,” she concluded.
As debates over education policy continue, Sanders’ proposal is likely to fuel further discussion on the role of federal government in shaping the nation’s schools. Whether her vision will gain traction at the national level remains to be seen, but for now, she remains a vocal advocate for dismantling the Department of Education in favor of a state-led approach.
