Education Department’s Big Workforce Shift: Impact on Employees Revealed

Department of Education emblem over American flag.

The Department of Education cuts nearly half its workforce as the Trump administration initiates major restructuring of the federal education system.

Key Takeaways

The Department of Education is reducing its workforce by approximately 1,315 employees, cutting the department’s size by nearly 50%.
Affected staff will remain on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until June 9, with additional severance and retirement benefits.
Secretary Linda McMahon assured that core functions including student loans, Pell Grants, and special education funding will continue uninterrupted.
The layoffs align with President Trump’s larger goal to potentially dismantle the department, though complete elimination would require congressional approval.
Department offices in Washington, D.C. and regional offices were temporarily closed for security following the announcement.

Massive Workforce Reduction Implemented

The Department of Education announced significant workforce reductions that will cut nearly half of its employees. The strategic downsizing eliminates 1,315 positions, leaving just 2,183 employees to maintain operations. In addition to these layoffs, 572 employees accepted voluntary separation packages, and 63 probationary workers were terminated. The dramatic reduction transforms the department from its original size of 4,133 employees to approximately half that number, representing one of the most significant structural changes to a federal agency in recent years.

Department buildings in Washington D.C. were closed for security reasons following the announcement, with employees instructed to take their laptops home. The workforce reduction affects every sector of the department but primarily targets internal roles. Six communications offices will be consolidated as part of the restructuring, and leases in major cities will be terminated. According to officials, telework agreements have largely been discontinued as remaining employees are called back to offices.

The Department of Education initiated mass layoffs on Tuesday night, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%, sources told ABC News. https://t.co/BOtgmWDahO

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) March 12, 2025

Support for Affected Employees

The Department of Education is providing substantial transition support for laid-off employees. Staff affected by the cuts will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21 while maintaining their full compensation package through June 9. Additional severance and retirement benefits will also be available to eligible employees. The department has established career counseling services and personalized transition assistance to help former employees navigate their job searches effectively and find new employment opportunities within or outside the federal government.

Remaining employees received an email detailing significant changes in work priorities and operational structures. The department’s leadership has emphasized that these changes are designed to improve efficiency while maintaining critical services. “Reduction in force” (RIF) notices were distributed beginning that evening., with department operations continuing the following day under the restructured format. The transition plan includes consolidation of department buildings in Washington, D.C., further streamlining physical resources.

Maintaining Critical Functions

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has assured the public that despite the significant workforce reduction, essential department functions will continue uninterrupted. Student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, and competitive grant making will not be affected by these changes. The department will maintain its responsibility for enforcing non-discrimination policies, distributing federal financial aid, and supporting federal college loan programs that serve millions of American students and families.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has confirmed that the cuts would not hinder the department’s ability to fulfill its statutory obligations. This restructuring reflects a broader vision to address perceived redundancy and inefficiency within the department. While the Education Department provides important resources, it accounts for less than 10% of public school funding nationwide, with the majority coming from state and local taxes. The administration maintains that the restructuring is aimed at improving service delivery rather than eliminating critical educational support.

Political Reaction and Future Implications

The workforce reduction has generated strong reactions across the political spectrum. Republicans largely support the move as part of efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy and return more control to states and local communities. President Trump is expected to issue an executive order aimed at further reducing the department’s scope, though completely dismantling it would require congressional approval with 60 Senate votes, a difficult threshold given Democratic opposition. This restructuring represents a significant first step toward the administration’s stated goal of fundamentally transforming federal education policy.

Democratic opposition to the cuts has been vocal and unified. Former committee chair Senator Patty Murray criticized the move as “taking a wrecking ball to the Department of Education” that would rob students and teachers of needed resources. Similarly, National Education Association President Becky Pringle stated that the mass firings would harm students and educators across the nation. The contrasting perspectives highlight the deeply divided views on the federal government’s proper role in education policy and resource allocation.