2700 Miles From DC: A Rural School's Experience Of Trump's First 100 Days

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the School and Community

The first 100 days of the Trump administration brought with them a wave of economic uncertainty that washed over Harmony Creek, a town heavily reliant on agriculture and small businesses. This uncertainty directly impacted the school and its community in several significant ways.

Funding Changes:

The proposed changes to federal education funding, a cornerstone of the Trump administration's early agenda, immediately cast a shadow over Harmony Creek Elementary.

• Reduced funding for Title I programs: This resulted in a decrease in crucial support services for underprivileged students, impacting their access to remedial education and crucial resources.
• Cuts to arts and music programs: Facing budget constraints, the school was forced to eliminate its after-school music program, a beloved activity for many students.
• Increased class sizes: The school had to combine classes due to a decrease in available teaching staff, leading to a less favorable learning environment.

These cuts had a direct impact on teacher salaries and the availability of vital resources like textbooks and technology, ultimately impacting the quality of education the students received. Initial projections indicated a 15% reduction in the school's overall budget, a significant blow to a school already operating with limited resources.

Impact on Local Businesses and Families:

The broader economic policies of the Trump administration also had a visible impact on the families and businesses that supported the Harmony Creek school.

• Job losses in the agricultural sector: Many parents who worked in the local farming industry faced job insecurity due to shifting trade policies. This led to increased financial strain on families, impacting their ability to participate in school events and provide necessary supplies for their children.
• Reduced parental involvement: Facing economic hardship, many parents were unable to attend school meetings or volunteer their time, affecting school-parent relationships.
• Increased student stress: The economic uncertainty within the community permeated the school, increasing the stress levels experienced by both students and teachers. One parent, interviewed anonymously, stated, "The worry about jobs hangs over everything, and it's hard not to see that affect the kids."

Political Climate and Social Shifts within the School

The political climate of Trump's first 100 days created a palpable shift within the usually quiet walls of Harmony Creek Elementary.

Shifting Political Discourse:

While the school had always been a politically diverse community, the national conversations surrounding the new presidency intensified existing divisions.

• Increased political discussions in the classroom: Teachers reported more frequent and intense conversations about political issues among students, necessitating careful moderation and sensitivity.
• Division among families: The highly polarized national discourse seeped into the community, creating tensions and divisions among families with differing political viewpoints.
• Teacher anxieties: Educators grappled with how to address the intense political climate in the classroom while maintaining a neutral stance and fostering a safe learning environment.

Impact on Diversity and Inclusion:

Trump's rhetoric and policies during his first 100 days sparked concerns regarding their impact on diversity and inclusion within the school.

• Increased anxiety among minority students: Some minority students reported feeling more vulnerable and anxious due to the national discourse.
• Increased vigilance required by teachers: Teachers felt a greater need to actively promote inclusivity and address any incidents of bias or discrimination.
• Limited resources for diversity programs: The already tight budget further limited the school's capacity to implement or expand programs focused on diversity and inclusion.

Educational Policy Changes and their Ripple Effects

Although no major educational policy changes were fully implemented during Trump's initial 100 days, the discussions and proposed changes created uncertainty.

Curriculum Changes:

The early debates regarding national curriculum standards created a climate of apprehension within the school.

• Uncertainty regarding future funding for curriculum development: The school community worried about the possibility of restrictions on what could be taught and how it would be funded.
• Teachers' need for professional development: Educators acknowledged the need for additional training and resources to address potential changes in curriculum standards.

Testing and Accountability:

While specific changes in standardized testing were not immediately apparent, the underlying uncertainty was present.

• Increased pressure on teachers and students: The potential for future changes in testing and accountability measures created additional stress on the already strained resources of the school.
• Focus shifted away from holistic development: The looming threat of increased testing pressure led to a focus on test preparation, potentially detracting from other important aspects of student development.

Conclusion

2700 miles from the political whirlwind of Washington D.C., Harmony Creek Elementary experienced the ripple effects of Trump's first 100 days in profound ways. The economic uncertainties, the shifting political climate, and the anxieties surrounding potential educational policy changes significantly impacted the school, its students, and the broader community. The experience of this rural school offers a stark reminder that national policies have direct and tangible consequences on even the most remote communities. Understanding the lasting effects of Trump's first 100 days on rural America requires further investigation and dialogue. Let's continue exploring the impact of national policies on local communities across the country, ensuring that the voices and experiences of rural schools are heard and considered in shaping future policy decisions.