Snohomish County schools react to education department firings
EVERETT — Snohomish County schools expressed concern after the Department of Education announced plans Tuesday to fire more than 1,300 employees.
The effects of the firings are yet to be seen. But some local schools worry insufficient staff at the federal department could delay funding for programs related to special education, financial aid and more.
Schools get most of their funding from state and local taxes. But the Department of Education contributes about 8% of the funding elementary and secondary schools across the county use, according to its website. It administers student loans and financial aid through Pell Grants and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
In total, the department manages about $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for over 40 million borrowers, the Associated Press reported. It also enforces civil rights laws in schools and assesses the performance of state education programs.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-schools-react-to-education-department-firings/