Indiana’s education secretary reacts to Trump’s education department order

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Secretary of Education is reacting after President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that dismantled the U.S. Department of Education.

According to previous reports, the order aims to “take all lawful steps to shut down the department,” Trump said on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by several state governors, including Indiana Gov. Mike Braun.

Katie Jenner, Indiana’s secretary of education, said in a statement to FOX59/CBS4 that Thursday’s announcement at the federal level ultimately helps the state provide “high-quality education for all students,” as well as the state’s educational priorities, including:

• Helping more students learn to read
• Improving the future of the state’s high schools.

Jenner said that the announcement will also allow Indiana communities to “identify and respond to the unique needs” of students in the state.

“Indiana is well-positioned to continue supporting our schools and to set an example of what is possible for students when we prioritize the academic fundamentals, encourage collaborative and innovative solutions and continuously measure our impact,” Jenner said in the statement. “We look forward to continuing to work with educators and parents to build on the momentum we have today and to positively move the needle for students.”

In a statement of support from Braun on Thursday, he stressed that he believes education is a state and local responsibility.

“I support President Trump’s bold action to return education to where it belongs and to put parents in the driver’s seat of their children’s education,” Braun said. “Indiana is leading the way, having jumped from a middle of the pack state to sixth in the nation in reading. Hoosiers know what our students need to succeed better than bureaucrats in D.C.”

How are other Indiana lawmakers responding to Thursday’s announcement?

Other Indiana members of the U.S. House of Representatives also responded to Trump’s order on Thursday through social media channels.

U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Ind. District 2 said that he believes the Department of Education has failed its mission.

“Putting control back in the hands of states means putting parents back in charge and empowering families, teachers and communities to create better opportunities for our kids’ futures,” Yakym said.

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind. District 3 also “applauded” the order, stating that Trump and Linda McMahon, the United States Secretary of Education are “putting education back to where it belongs – with (the) states.”

“When it comes to an issue as important as the education of our children, no one knows better than those closest to them,” Stutzman said. “Unelected federal bureaucrats who have minimal knowledge of the real needs of the future generation of Hoosiers have only wasted tax dollars and made the education our kids receive worse.

U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind. District 4 said that this order puts parents “back in the driver’s seat of their children’s education.”

“Indiana has been a leader in school choice for years, ensuring every Hoosier family has the freedom to choose the educational option that best fits their children’s needs,” Baird said. “This Executive Order is a monumental step in making school choice a reality for every family, improving educational outcomes for our students, empowering parents and making American education great again.”

U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind. District 8 said that he opposes Trump’s plan, which he believes undermines the “quality and equity of education nationwide.”

”We should never cut corners when it comes to a child’s education,” Carson said. “And federal oversight, it really helps ensure fair access to education…. We hear that the states are closer to the students. They know the students’ needs. You know, I agree with that. And local municipalities know them even better. You still need a standard, a watchdog, and standard operating procedures nationally so that states don’t run amok.”

U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind. District 9 also highlighted the order’s ability to return education control to the states and local communities.

This will empower parents and families to make decisions about students’ education rather than bureaucrats in Washington,” Houchin said. “The federal DOE has failed to deliver results for our students for decades. This order and legislation to follow will prioritize academic excellence, innovation, and parental choice and will reduce federal overreach in education. It is a win for families and the future of America’s students!”

For a look at Trump’s full executive order, click here.