Education Department offers $25K buyout, deadline tonight

The U.S. Department of Education has offered its employees a buyout of up to $25,000 to resign or retire by an 11:59 p.m. deadline on Monday, ahead of anticipated workforce reductions. This one-time Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) serves as either severance pay or the specified amount, whichever is less, and is part of broader cuts initiated by the Trump administration, which has expressed intentions to abolish the department. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue that such actions undermine the agency's educational responsibilities. As of the announcement, 137 employees had already accepted the buyout offer, which excludes certain categories of workers such as those on disability retirement or who have recently received bonuses. The buyout coincides with the Senate's consideration of Linda McMahon, President Trump's nominee for Education Secretary, who has indicated support for reducing the agency's role. Stakeholders are concerned about the implications of these cuts on educational programs and services.