Why is there a Dept of Education when so much of our property taxes already go to public schools?

Answer 1

The Department of Education is a Federal Agency and is funded through your Federal Income Tax.

Different states fund their school systems in one of two ways, through a property tax at a local level or a state income tax.

Remember that it is not uncommon for there to be similarly titled departments providing different levels of the same services beginning at the national level and working its way through the state, county, and even municipal levels.

The higher levels are usually mainly involved in policy setting. The lower levels are usually involved in hands on teaching.

Answer 2

Good question, one many people wonder about - but now that we have it, it's not likely to be abolished. From their website

ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. ED's 4,500 employees and $71.5 billion budget are dedicated to:

• Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
• Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
• Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
• Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.