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

The move divides state lawmakers and educators in Tennessee.

Some Republican lawmakers believe that less federal government interference in education will make Tennessee’s school systems stronger, while some Democrats say this is harmful because we will lose much of our funding and protections.

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

Republican Senator Mark Pody supports the move, saying education was never intended to be regulated by the federal government.

He says it was always meant for the state government.

“I think at that point they overstepped their power and authority,” Senator Pody said.

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

“Almost all the standards set to ensure that they get quality education, that they get some access to learning and a better future. These regulations are primarily implemented 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 abused, or ensures disabled students 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’re actually going to get a much better price for the dollar that we spend without that layer of interference from the federal government,” said Senator Pody.

Senator Yarbro says it will put a greater burden on Tennessee taxpayers to fund schools.

“More than one in every ten dollars spent educating children in Tennessee comes from the federal government. Wiping out those funds and those dollars is an insane thing to do,” Senator Yarbro explained.

He says it is up to the state government to make sacrifices in other areas to make up this 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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