Betsy DeVos

Conversation w/ Betsy DeVos, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Education / U.S. Education Policy Discussion

Betsy DeVos, Lowell Milken, William Bennett, Steve Bullock, Jeb Bush

During a high-level policy discussion, Secretary Betsy DeVos, former Secretary William Bennett, and Governors Jeb Bush and Steve Bullock debated the role of federal versus state authority in education amidst persistent achievement gaps and insufficient college readiness rates. The panelists advocated for shifting decision-making power to the states through block grants and school choice mechanisms like Education Savings Accounts and dual enrollment programs to foster local innovation and address specific demographic needs. While all participants expressed optimism about state-led reforms, they simultaneously warned that systemic issues such as teacher shortages and social stratification require urgent attention to ensure the education system functions as an effective equalizer.