The US Department of Education is planning to cut about half of its workforce, as the Trump Administration works to slash the size of the federal government.
The mass layoffs will impact nearly 2,100 people who are set to be placed on leave from 21 March.
Trump has long sought to eliminate the department, a long-cherished goal of some conservatives, but such an action would require approval by Congress.
The department, which has an annual budget of around $238bn (£188bn), employs more than 4,000 people.
Established in 1979, the department oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans and runs programmes that help low-income students.
A common misconception is that it operates US schools and sets curricula – that is done by states and local districts.
And a relatively small percentage of funding for primary and secondary schools – about 13% – comes from federal funds. The majority is made up from states and local groups.
“As part of the Department of Education’s final mission, the department today initiated a reduction in force impacting nearly 50% of the department’s workforce,” a statement from Education Secretary Linda McMahon said on Tuesday.
“All divisions within the department are impacted by the reduction, with some divisions requiring significant reorganisation to better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers,” she added.
