PHOENIX – Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne asserted on Wednesday that eliminating the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE) would not jeopardize federal funding for Arizona schools. He emphasized that financial support is rooted in federal laws, not dependent on the continuation of the federal agency.
“Shutting down the U.S. Department of Education would not result in a loss of federal formula funding for Arizona,” Horne said. “Those dollars are appropriated by Congress and tied to education laws for special education, disadvantaged students, English language learners, and others. Competitive grant funds could also be redirected to states without federal bureaucracy.”
Criticism of Federal Oversight
Horne strongly criticized the effectiveness of the USDoE, citing its failure to prevent decades-long declines in national test scores for reading, writing, and math. He labeled the department as a wasteful bureaucracy that mismanages taxpayer dollars.
“National test scores have declined under the department’s watch, proving its ineffectiveness. The funds used to operate this bureaucracy should go directly to local schools,” Horne said.
Highlighting Inefficiencies
Horne also recounted specific incidents during his first term as superintendent to illustrate what he views as the department’s inefficiency and disconnect:
- A Navajo student who spoke only English was erroneously classified as an English language learner because the department required a test based on their grandmother’s Navajo language. The student was placed in a Spanish class, prompting complaints from the Navajo Nation.
- Horne resisted federal rules that allowed teachers with poor English proficiency to teach English, stating that he dared the federal government to sue, but they never did.
Additionally, Horne pointed to outdated systems and duplicative reporting requirements as further evidence of inefficiency, citing the federal grants management system as “antiquated and unmanageable.”
A Call for Localized Control
Horne advocated for the redirection of federal funds directly to states, bypassing the federal agency entirely. He noted that much of the department’s requirements lack measurable academic outcomes and contribute to administrative burdens without benefiting students.
Criticism of Remote Work
Horne also criticized the work culture within the USDoE, referencing a federal Office of Management and Budget report that found more than half of the agency’s nearly 4,300 employees work remotely.
“This is a waste of taxpayer dollars, shows a poor work ethic, and sets a bad example for educators and students who gather in person every day,” Horne said.
Moving Forward
Horne concluded by urging for a focus on academic excellence, emphasizing that resources should directly support educators and students in classrooms rather than being filtered through a “hopelessly ineffective” federal agency.
“Educators should have a passion for academic excellence, but that is not evident at USDoE,” he stated.
