NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) – President-elect Donald Trump could abolish the US Department of Education, which was part of Trump’s Agenda 47.

The decision divides Tennessee state lawmakers and educators.

Some Republican lawmakers believe less federal interference in education will strengthen Tennessee’s school systems, while some Democrats believe it would be detrimental because we would lose much of our funding and protection.

Education officials say Trump tried to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education during his first term and now say it’s a top priority for his second term.

Republican Sen. Mark Pody supports the move and says education was never meant to be regulated by the federal government.

He says it was always intended for state government.

“I think they have exceeded their power and authority at this point,” Senator Pody said.

However, Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro says the U.S. Department of Education is critical.

“Almost all standards set to ensure that they receive a high quality education, have some access to learning and a better future. These rules are primarily put in place by the federal government,” said Senator Yarbro.

JC Bowman of the Professional Educators of Tennessee adds that the U.S. Department of Education also provides a layer of protection if a teacher is being abused, or ensures that students with disabilities get the resources they need.

On the other hand, Senator Pody believes that focusing on the state will lead to a better education program.

“I think we’ll actually get a lot better bang for the buck without this layer of interference from the federal government,” Sen. Pody said.

Senator Yarbro says this will place a greater burden on Tennessee taxpayers to fund schools.

“More than one in ten dollars spent on the education of Tennessee’s children comes from the federal government, so wiping out those funds and those dollars is a crazy thing to do,” said Senator Yarbro.

He says it will be up to the state government to make sacrifices in other areas to make up that difference.

Ending the agency would require congressional approval and a lot of political capital, but abolishing the U.S. Department of Education is possible.

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