U.S. Department of Education Announces Major Workforce Reduction

The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a significant reduction in force (RIF), cutting nearly 50% of its workforce as part of an organizational restructuring effort. Affected employees will be placed on administrative leave starting Friday, March 21.

According to the department, workforce reduction aligns with efforts to increase efficiency and accountability while ensuring resources are directed toward students, parents, and teachers. The department will continue overseeing key statutory programs such as formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, and competitive grantmaking.

The reduction follows voluntary resignations and retirements accepted over the past seven weeks, including 259 employees through the Deferred Resignation Program and 313 through the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment. After the RIF, the department's workforce will shrink from 4,133 to approximately 2,183 employees.

Impacted staff will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, with additional severance or retirement benefits based on tenure. Some divisions will undergo reorganization to optimize service delivery to educators, students, and taxpayers.