President Trump recently signed an executive order shutting down the Department of Education. While to others it may not seem like a big deal, but for states with a low GDP like North Dakota, it’s huge.
With all decisions on education given to the states, the past few legislative sessions already show how bad this could get. Bills focused on free lunch (HB1475/HB1013), expanding housing (HB2030) and creating a private ESA fund for homeschoolers (HB1607) were all rejected because of budget issues.
While I completely understand that some bills can’t be fully funded, I can’t help but wonder: if North Dakota can take the responsibility, will it be equal? Will it enforce civil law? Despite the state’s $19 billion budget and spending 15% on K-12 and 16% on higher ed, we still hit a hard wall.
Case in point: 39% of North Dakotans live in rural areas that are already suffering from teacher shortages, scarce resources and outdated buildings. Lisbon has over 600 students, but 20-30% are in poverty, relying heavily on federal programs. Fort Ransom is barely holding on without Title I support. With the Department of Education gone, the devastating effects will hit rural schools and bigger districts like Fargo and Grand Forks.
North Dakota will need to invest heavily in its system or face the consequences. The people raised in the Peace Garden will be the ones who will take care of it.
Minou Babingui is a resident of Fargo.
The Trust Project
