[
America’s Forgotten Coal Town Fears Trump’s Education Cuts Will Devastate Rural Schools
When the coal mines closed in Bell County, Kentucky, a community that once powered the nation was left forgotten, with few well-paying jobs or prospects. Many of its residents now live in poverty, among empty storefronts and the stunning vistas of the Appalachian Mountains.
After casting his ballot for President-elect Donald Trump, Superintendent Tom Gambrel of the Bell County school district fears that the plan to eliminate the Department of Education and slash federal funds to public schools could have devastating effects on his students and their families. The district typically receives 10% of its budget from federal dollars, which could be reduced if Trump’s plan goes into effect. This could lead to teacher layoffs, bigger classroom sizes, and less attention for the most vulnerable students.
A CNN analysis found that all 15 states that relied most heavily on federal support for their public schools in 2022 voted for Trump, while all but two of the 15 states that received the least federal dollars as a percentage of their overall revenue voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Gambrel believes that many of his students’ families will be affected by Trump’s proposed cuts, which could be catastrophic. The schools in Bell County are a lifeline to families, providing a range of services, including food, arts, and physical education programs. The district is also one of the only places where parents can find after-school care, and the schools are where kids can stay warm and get a chance to eat.
Trump has not shared many details of his education proposals, but some experts warn that even if the Department of Education is shut down, the federal funds it dispenses to local schools could be distributed by other agencies. However, critics argue that Republicans have long proposed cutting federal education spending, and with a majority in both the House and Senate in the next administration, they may succeed in doing so.
Schools like those in Bell County already struggle with budget constraints, and Gambrel fears that further cuts will be devastating. He warns that his school district will have to reduce staff, cut energy costs, and raise tuition for professional development, which may lead to teacher burnout and lower academic performance.
Trump’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education could also lead to the end of federal oversight on education funding, potentially redistributing funds away from low-income or special needs students. Some experts predict that this could lead to the loss of nearly six percent of teachers nationwide, particularly in areas that have already struggled to recruit and retain educators.
The schools in Bell County are therefore particularly concerned about Trump’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education and slash federal funding. While some may believe that this would lead to greater local control over education, others warn that it could exacerbate existing inequities and harm the most vulnerable students. As one expert put it, it would be "making things worse for those who are already at the margins."