Washington, DC – America’s students–and America’s future–are at risk in the Trump administration’s proposed FY 2019 budget. The greater than 5 percent reduction in the US Department of Education will further starve school systems across the country already projected to be constricted by the recent tax law overhaul.

We are especially disappointed by the elimination of Title II funding. The Every Student Succeeds Act thoroughly revamped Title II’s uses of funds and definition of professional development, and states developed plans that relied heavily on teacher and principal development within the new parameters. Those state plans recognize what the Trump administration fails to accept or fund: That high-quality education for all students can be achieved only with high-quality development for teachers and principals.

America’s public schools belong and are accountable to all of us. Failing to adequately fund our public schools shows how fast and how far the Trump administration is drifting from promoting educational equity and excellence for all students.

American Federation of School Administrators

ASCD

Learning Forward

National Association of Elementary School Principals

National Association of Secondary School Principals

New Leaders