The "reduction in force" notices began to go out at about 6 p.m. Some 1,315 employees were affected by the RIFs, leaving 2,183 employed by the department, according to senior officials at the DOE. Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21, a statement from the Education Department said. They will receive full pay and benefits through June 9, senior officials added.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced Tuesday that as part of the Department of Education's "final mission" it would cut its workforce by half. "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," McMahon said in a statement. "I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system."
Those subjected to the reduction will have 90 days from Tuesday until they are actually terminated and will receive full pay and benefits during that time. The affected employees will also receive in severance one week’s salary for every year of service they have up to ten years and two weeks’ salary for every year of service beyond ten years. That formula is created by the official reduction-in-force process.
