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

The move is dividing Tennessee state lawmakers and educators.

Some Republican state lawmakers believe less federal education intervention will strengthen Tennessee’s school systems, while some Democrats say it’s harmful because we’ll 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 says it’s a top priority for his second term.

Republican Sen. Mark Pody supports the move and says education should never have been regulated by the federal government.

He says it was always meant for the state government.

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

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

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

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

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

“I think we’re actually going to get a lot better bang for the buck without that layer of interference from the federal government,” Senator Pody said.

Sen. Yarbro says it will put more of a burden on Tennessee taxpayers to fund schools.

“More than one out of every $10 that goes into educating the children of Tennessee comes from the federal government, as if eliminating those funds and those dollars is a crazy thing to do,” Senator Yarbro explained.

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

Ending the agency would require congressional approval and a great deal of political capital, but abolishing the US Department of Education is possible.

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