In the past few years, Louisiana K-12 has been a rare bright spot both at state and national levels. Louisiana’s rankings on the Nation’s Report Card have improved from 49^th in 2019 to 32^nd in 2024 with Louisiana’s students leading the country in reading growth for multiple years and making it into the top five for math growth. Louisiana’s unprecedented results have received national attention and you’ll regularly find our state’s education superintendent – Cade Brumley – telling the state’s story with the likes of Dana Perino on Fox News and in edu-specific outlets. In fact, he was on the short list to be President Trump’s Secretary of Education before that role went to Linda McMahon, co-chair of President Trump’s transition team.

So, with President Trump seeking to shutter the United States Department of Education, the left is going bonkers, even attempting to storm the Department’s building in D.C. While that’s a bit outlandish, there are real questions that deserve consideration and answers. We decided to have a conversation with Dr. Brumley and get his perspective on the matter.

 

Hayride: You’ve said multiple times that you support President Trump ending the U.S. Department of Education. Why?

Brumley: Education is best as a local enterprise. This means state leadership setting overall policy and expectations while local leaders design and manage systems, in conjunction with parents and teachers. The needs of children, along with the values and norms of each state, are unique. Our priorities, expectations, and belief systems are very different than some other parts of the country. As such, it’s commonsense for the federal government to get out of the way and allow those closest to the children make decisions in their best interests. Bureaucrats in DC with ideological agendas should not be calling shots for kids in Houma, Homer, Lake Providence or Lake Charles.

 

Hayride: So, with the President’s Executive Order, is the U.S. Department of Education now closed?

Brumley: No, not yet. His EO tasked the Secretary to begin all processes to dismantle and close the department. As part of his plan, he has noted his desire to move the student loan program to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and out of the Education Department. I advised that it be moved to Treasury because they have the expertise to handle that program. I also know he indicated a desire to move special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Hayride: We know President Trump took a position on DEI. What did that involve and what’s your take on it?

Brumley: They interpreted that DEI practices in school systems are discriminatory. With that, I sent out a notice to all school systems in the state requesting they review their practices and policies to ensure discriminatory practices are not present. Louisiana should not jeopardize our share of federal funds due to DEI in a local school system.  I believe in the fundamental values on which our country was founded – that all individuals are created equal and should have equal rights. Furthermore, progress and acknowledgement should stem from equal opportunity and a merit-based system. There is no place for government-sponsored partiality or favoritism.

 

Hayride: We know President Trump supports school choice. What does that mean for Louisiana?

Brumley: I fully anticipate school choice to expand and become more of a norm throughout the country. About two years ago, I was the first State Superintendent in the country to endorse the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). While that legislation did not move under the administration of President Biden, I believe we could see progress under President Trump. It would be a national tax incentive program to support school choice for families. In Louisiana, under Governor Landry, the GATOR program passed this last legislative session which will allow dollars to follow children contingent on the legislature approving a management contract and allocating dollars to the program. One of our priorities as a state agency is expansion of school choice options so we are aligned with the mission.

 

Hayride: Should Louisiana be concerned about losing funds?

Brumley: I have not heard any discussion around reduced funding for education. The conversation has centered around taking those same funds and simply block granting to states – with fewer or no strings attached – so state leaders would make decisions on how best to use dollars.

 

Hayride: We’ve heard concern that students with disabilities will be impacted.

Brumley: IDEA, or the Individual with Disabilities in Education Act, – has not been altered. Even if the federal education department ceases to exist, that law remains in place. We are positioned well here as Louisiana students with disabilities are outpacing and outperforming students with disabilities across the country. We absolutely will ensure that families get the access they need for students who need additional support and resources.

 

Hayride: We’ve also heard that school lunches might go away if the department closes. Surely not?

Brumley: That’s another fear tactic. The school breakfast and lunch program, which provides meals for students, isn’t even housed at the education department. Instead, it is administered by the USDA. I’ve heard no mention whatsoever of President Trump cutting this program.

 

Hayride: What else do Louisiana citizens need to know about K12 education in Louisiana?

Brumley: Louisiana is the most rapidly improving state in the country for educational outcomes. My personal philosophy has been that we must be BRAVE. Go Back to the basics, Redesign broken systems, Accelerate parental rights, Value teachers, and Expand educational freedom. In conjunction with Governor Landry, the legislature, and our state board (BESE), I intend for those values to keep driving our work at the Louisiana Department of Education. I deeply appreciate the excellent work of teachers in our state and the substantial support we are given. We will continue being good stewards of public funds and making sound decisions for students, families, and the state as a whole.