We Need a Zelensky Moment for Education

“And you didn’t even say thank you.”

Department of Ed Slashed

No matter what you think of the Trump-Zelensky break up and quasi-reuniting, I couldn’t help but think we need a moment like that, for the education cause, where the unpredictable Trump stares down his emissary and asks point blank, “What have you done with the all the money? Where is your gratitude?” followed by “We are not giving you any more. We’re done.”

Yesterday’s announcement brought cuts of nearly half the Education Department workforce – the termination of nearly 1,300 jobs and an untold sum of present and future spending – likely millions of dollars of administrative bloat.

Consider that prior to the announcement in the Department there were 6 individuals in the role of Chief Communications Officer. For each of those employees’ programming they had another 10-15 administrative workers employed under them. Consider that the primary responsibility of these offices has been to oversee programs where that oversight has been the very thing met with increasing push back everywhere from parent and teacher groups, in state halls and courts, in schools and districts, election and ballot decisions and efforts heard widespread across the country. These Department centers have received millions in special interest funds over the years to prop up their continued bureaucratic existence in a sequence that leaves children’s minds undernourished and underserved.

Speaking from experience, as I offered yesterday,

“It’s become a cash cow for every university, non-profit and research institution that has time and money to apply for grants and contracts; many of which do nothing to support students and do everything to counter great education for all students. Ending incessant federal interference will free up state and local leaders to foster more opportunities to give schools and educators true flexibility and innovation to address the needs of students, wherever they are educated.”

It’s so hard to square needed changes in policy with the need to terminate so many people’s employment. I feel for them. I think most people do. But we created the monster and we need to tame it. It’s important and necessary.

A Quick Cutters Guide

Cato’s Neal McCluskey (and CER alum) did a fabulous job laying out for the layman what and how cuts can occur. Check it out.

Using the Bully Pulpit

Education Secretary Linda McMahon was sworn in less than a week ago and she’s already taking a page out of the William J. Bennett Ed Secretary playbook. Bill had to rely on the media reporting his comments and efforts, and even when he traveled to dozens of schools they rarely said anything nice or productive about his efforts. McMahon, on the other hand, has the benefit of creating media. But for those of us who were around when Secretary Bennett was in charge, the similarities - albeit with less scholarly language - are strong. Forward looking, solutions focussed, making sure she puts students, teachers and families front and center in what she says.

The proof will be in the proverbial pudding. And will the actual order to close it, rearrange programs and let money flow with the choices of parents happen soon? Inquiring minds want to know!

Arkansas Choice for All is Model for All

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was out of the gate shortly after her election to enact what would become one of the top 5 most expansive, state wide, truly universal (not just for some, for now) education choice programs. Also adept at creating media that cuts through all the flawed media interpreters, the Governor used X to announce that the program’s new phase was now available to all students.

We’re excited because it means that dozens of schools, like our very own STOP Award winners, could expand into states like Arkansas and serve more students!

Remember that University of Cal Berkeley Grant?

The one that was cancelled among dozens of other universities about which traditional higher ed institutions are crowing? Ironically, the same day the Trump Admin announced it was cutting dozens of unnecessary University-based grants, we received a request for the University of Berkeley’s Berkeley Center for Right Wing Studies asking for permission to post our past newsletters for study.

Not only is talking about parent choice and education standards not right wing, but why precisely do “we” have to be studied, on not only taxpayer dollars but the hard earned monies that students’s families pay directly to ensure their kids learn something?

Thanks, Mr. President, for terminating Berkeley’s federal funding. I’m sure the unions can pick up the slack.

Out of a Job and Great at Communications?

Understand the connection between PR, Policy and Politics? Willing to follow what works even if it’s not your idea? Not afraid of hard work, long hours, or fast-paced collaboration? And take some ‘red marks’ on your writing until it best mirrors the CER DNA? Then our Chief Marketing Officer position may be for you!

Send me a note or video that provides evidence you can do the above, as well as describe what the position looks like and needs to contain for you to be interested. Operators are standing by!

Spring is almost here! Enjoy -

Jeanne