Tennille Jeffries-Simmons Chief of Staff | Washington Office Of Superintendent Of Public Instruction
President Trump's recent federal budget proposal has sparked concern over significant cuts to K–12 education programs. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal expressed his views on the proposed changes, highlighting potential impacts on Washington's school districts.
Reykdal stated that while key programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act remain mostly intact, other programs supporting marginalized student populations face dramatic reductions or elimination. He noted that these cuts align with efforts towards school privatization by removing supports for underserved students.
Programs affected include the Migrant Education Program and English Language Acquisition. Others face a 70% reduction, such as professional learning for educators and support for at-risk youth. School meals funding also appears to be reduced. According to Reykdal, if implemented, these cuts would remove over $120 million per year from Washington's schools.
"The power of public education is that we serve any student who walks through the door," said Reykdal. He emphasized that public schools help students meet their potential and argued that these budget cuts signal a lack of focus on actual student needs.
A map accompanying Reykdal's statement illustrates potential funding losses per full-time equivalent student by district if the proposal passes. The map shows rural communities facing larger percentage cuts compared to urban areas, potentially devastating local economies where schools act as community hubs.
The proposed budget reflects the Trump Administration's priorities but requires congressional approval. While the House seems poised to enact changes, Senate priorities remain unclear. As deliberations continue, Reykdal pledged continued advocacy for sufficient funding across all state regions.
"Let me be clear—I am supportive of changes to federal programs in the name of government efficiency if there is a better, sustainable, and data-driven program to replace them," he added. However, he criticized targeting and eliminating essential support programs without alternatives as "intentionally reckless."
Reykdal stressed public education's role in shaping futures and democracy: "President Trump’s proposed budget... make very clear that it is his intention to harm public education." He vowed not to relent in defending educational opportunities against what he termed an extremist ideology attack on America's public education system.
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