U.S. Department of Education cuts over 1,300 employees

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it will be cutting nearly 50% of the department’s workforce, representing more than 1,300 positions.

The Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21, according to the announcement.

The announcement comes just one week after the Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to be the next secretary of the department.

Following her swearing in last week, McMahon referred to the overhaul of the department as its “final mission.”

“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” McMahon said in the Tuesday statement.

“I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”

According to the announcement, the reduction in force will impact all divisions within the department, with “some divisions requiring significant reorganization to better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.”

“The Department of Education will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking,” the announcement says.

In addition to the more than 1,300 positions impacted by this reduction in force, about 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired over the last two months, according to the department.

Following the reduction, “the Department’s workforce will total roughly 2,183 workers.”

According to the release, all impacted employees will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, “as well as substantial severance pay or retirement benefits based upon their length of service.”