Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo: President Trump’s Historic Education Reforms Will Rightfully Return Education Back to the States

Key Insights on Trump’s Education Reform and Gov. Lombardo’s Support

1. Decentralization of Education Control:

   • President Trump’s executive order aims to reduce or eliminate the federal Department of Education, placing more control over education in the hands of individual states.
   • Gov. Joe Lombardo strongly supports this initiative, arguing that localized control will allow states to tailor education systems to better meet the needs of students, families, and communities.

2. Criticism of Federal Education Performance:

   • Gov. Lombardo points out that despite increased federal funding for education since 1980, student performance has worsened.
   • He highlights a decline in eighth-grade math scores (equivalent to two grade levels) and notes that over 70% of eighth graders are now below proficiency in reading and math.

3. Push for Vocational Education and Practical Training:

   • Lombardo advocates for expanding vocational high schools to better prepare students for careers in industries such as construction, automotive repair, culinary arts, cosmetology, and cybersecurity.
   • He believes that local control will help align educational programs with the specific workforce needs of each state.

4. School Choice and Educational Freedom:

   • The reforms are expected to promote school choice, allowing parents more flexibility in deciding where to send their children for education.
   • By reducing federal oversight, states will have the freedom to innovate, modify curriculums, and implement administrative changes that suit their populations.

5. Critique of Centralized Bureaucracy:

   • The executive order reflects a broader conservative critique of the federal bureaucracy, suggesting that large centralized institutions like the Department of Education have become inefficient and detached from local realities.
   • The move aligns with broader conservative efforts to reduce federal government influence and increase state-level autonomy.

Potential Impact and Broader Context:

If successfully implemented, this reform could significantly reshape U.S. education by decentralizing power and promoting vocational training and educational diversity. However, it may also face opposition from those who argue that federal oversight helps ensure equal access, enforce standards, and protect marginalized communities. The move is part of a larger push by conservatives to reduce federal influence and empower local governance.