Department of Education Cuts Nearly 50% of Workforce in Mass Layoffs -

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Washington, D.C. – March 12, 2025

The Department of Education (DOE) initiated a sweeping round of layoffs on Tuesday night, reducing its workforce by nearly 50% in a move described as a “reduction in force” aimed at streamlining operations.

The notices began going out at approximately 6 p.m., affected 1,315 employees, leaving the department with a remaining workforce of 2,183, according to senior DOE officials. Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21, and they will continue to receive full pay and benefits until June 9.

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Despite the downsizing, the DOE assured that all statutory programs under its purview including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking will continue without disruption.

“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a statement issued Tuesday night.

She acknowledged the contributions of the departing employees, calling them “dedicated public servants” and emphasizing that the layoffs are a significant step in efforts to “restore the greatness of the United States education system.”

The restructuring affects all sectors of the department in some capacity, though officials emphasized that the layoffs primarily target internal-facing roles rather than those directly serving students, educators, or the public.

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“This is primarily a streamlining effort for internal-facing roles and not external-facing roles,” said a senior DOE official.

Following the layoff notifications, remaining employees received an email detailing the department’s next steps. A copy of the email was obtained, which acknowledged the gravity of the layoffs and urged staff to adapt to a new operational approach.

“As we move forward, our mission and responsibilities will remain, but there will need to be significant changes to the way that we work,” the email read. “What we choose to prioritize, and in turn, not prioritize, will be critical in this transition.”

As part of the restructuring, six communications offices will be consolidated, and leases will be terminated in several major cities, including San Francisco, New York, Cleveland, Boston, Chicago, and Dallas. Additionally, the department’s three buildings in Washington, D.C., will be merged, signaling a shift toward a leaner organizational structure.

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