US Education department to reduce its workforce by nearly half: Secretary

Moscow, March 12 -- The US Education Department has launched a reduction in force program that will affect nearly 50% of its employees, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said amid US President Donald Trump's decision to close the department.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported that Trump is expected to sign an executive order abolishing the US Department of Education on Thursday. The order's draft reportedly directs McMahon to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department."

"As part of the Department of Education's final mission, the Department today initiated a reduction in force (RIF) impacting nearly 50% of the Department's workforce. Today's RIF reflects our commitment to efficiency,...