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Trump's $79 Billion Education Budget Sparks Reform Debate

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a $79 billion budget for the federal Department of Education, a $217 million increase from last year.
Despite high K–12 spending, American students' math and reading scores remain stagnant.
In New York City, it costs about $1.5 million to produce one college graduate from K–12.
Private schools, such as Cristo Rey Brooklyn, achieve better results at lower costs.
The article argues for measuring educational outcomes alongside spending and for public education reform to improve efficiency and student performance.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a $79 billion budget for the federal Department of Education, a $217 million increase from last year.
Despite high K–12 spending, American students' math and reading scores remain stagnant.
In New York City, it costs about $1.5 million to produce one college graduate from K–12.
Private schools, such as Cristo Rey Brooklyn, achieve better results at lower costs.
The article argues for measuring educational outcomes alongside spending and for public education reform to improve efficiency and student performance.