Big school cuts get ‘F’ from educators

EDUCATORS AND advocates are ripping President Trump’s plan to eliminate subsidized student loans and loan forgiveness programs in his proposed education budget.

Critics say the plans contradict Trump’s campaign vows to make college more affordable at time when student debt is ballooning.

But Trump’s 2018 budget, unveiled Tuesday, seeks to save over $1 billion in federal education spending by eliminating subsidized student loans. Another $859 million would be saved by ending debt forgiveness for grads who enter public service.

In all, the budget seeks to trim $11 billion from education spending, experts say.

State Education Department officials said New York public schools would lose $433 million annually under the Trump cuts.

Former state Education Commissioner and U.S. Education Secretary John King called the budget “an assault on the American dream.”

The budget includes $1 billion to boost school choice programs, $250 million for private school vouchers aimed at high-performing students from low-income families and $167 million to help create new charter schools.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos maintained the budget prioritizes students. “This budget makes an historic investment in America’s students,” she said.