"As superintendent of the largest regional education agency serving nearly 2 million students, I am deeply concerned about the impact of staff reductions at the U.S. Department of Education. 

These reductions come at a time when students are still recovering from the academic and social disruptions of the pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to invest in—not diminish—resources that promote educational equity, close achievement gaps and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities. The potential loss of funding for these programs will disproportionately impact our most vulnerable populations, including students with disabilities who are legally entitled to equitable access, children from low-income households, students experiencing homelessness and those striving to break generational cycles of poverty through education.

Some of these cuts will impact programs that we know are good for children – smaller class sizes, school lunch programs, tutoring, after-school programs, summer school, laptops, books and parent engagement programs. 

Beyond the immediate effects, these cuts will have long-term consequences on our national competitiveness, workforce development and economic stability. If we fail to invest in education today, we risk a future where disparities widen, college and career readiness declines and communities suffer.

We urge policymakers to reconsider these reductions and to prioritize the needs of students, educators and families. Our primary commitment at the Los Angeles County Office of Education is ensuring that all students' needs are met and that they receive the care they deserve. 

I want to emphasize that these decisions affect real people with real lives and can have a ripple effect on our ability to serve students effectively. We take our responsibilities seriously and remain dedicated to supporting every student in L.A. County."

-Dr. Debra Duardo
Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools