The Impact Of Trump's Presidency: A Rural School's Experience (2700 Miles From DC)

Mireille Lambert

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the Rural School and Community

The economic policies enacted during Trump's presidency had a tangible impact on Harmony Creek and its school. These effects manifested in both direct funding changes and indirect consequences for the local economy.

Changes in Funding and Budget Allocations

• Agricultural Subsidies: While some initial agricultural subsidies provided a temporary boost to local farmers, subsequent policy shifts led to uncertainty and, in some cases, reduced funding for crucial programs supporting the school. This impacted school lunch programs, which relied heavily on locally sourced produce.
• School Lunch Program Funding: Fluctuations in federal funding for the National School Lunch Program created budgetary challenges for Harmony Creek. The school had to make difficult choices, reducing the variety of healthy options available to students.
• Impact on Resources and Staff: Reduced funding resulted in cuts to school resources, including essential classroom supplies, library books, and after-school programs. The school also faced challenges in retaining qualified teachers due to limited salary increases. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), while not directly a Trump administration policy, interacted with budget constraints, creating further challenges for rural schools.

Effects on Local Businesses and Employment

Trump's trade policies and economic initiatives had a ripple effect on the local businesses that supported Harmony Creek's community.

• Trade Wars and Local Businesses: Increased tariffs on imported goods impacted local businesses reliant on international trade. One example was the local lumber mill, whose operations were significantly affected, leading to job losses and reducing parental contributions to school fundraising efforts.
• Employment and Parental Involvement: The decrease in employment opportunities in the area led to increased stress among families and reduced parental involvement in school activities. This impacted school morale and community engagement.
• Impact on Student Well-being: Economic hardship within families often translates to increased stress and challenges for students, affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. The school saw a rise in students requiring additional social and emotional support.

Social and Political Impacts on the School

The Trump presidency also profoundly influenced the social and political climate within Harmony Creek's small community.

Shifts in Community Values and Political Discourse

• Increased Political Polarization: The highly polarized national political climate seeped into the small community, creating divisions among students, parents, and staff. Discussions about current events often became heated and divisive.
• Changes in Social Attitudes: Trump's presidency brought previously dormant social issues to the forefront, leading to increased discussions about immigration, diversity, and social justice within the school community.
• Navigating Difficult Conversations: School administrators faced the challenge of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment while navigating increasingly polarized political conversations.

Changes in Student Demographics and Enrollment

• Impact of Immigration Policies: While not directly impacting Harmony Creek's demographics significantly, the national conversation around immigration policies created anxiety and uncertainty among some families.
• Migration and Enrollment: Economic hardships in the region led some families to seek opportunities elsewhere, resulting in a slight decrease in school enrollment.
• Impact on Diversity and Inclusivity: The school focused on maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment, despite the challenges posed by the national political discourse. Efforts were made to promote understanding and empathy among students from diverse backgrounds.

Educational Impacts and Curriculum Adjustments

The impact of Trump's presidency extended to the curriculum and access to educational resources at Harmony Creek Elementary.

Influence on Curriculum and Educational Priorities

• History Education: Teachers had to adapt their history lessons to address the complex and often controversial events of Trump's presidency, ensuring accuracy and balance.
• Civic Education: Increased political engagement, both positive and negative, required teachers to reinforce critical thinking skills and the importance of civic participation among their students.
• Changes in Student Engagement: The intense political climate sometimes influenced student engagement in class, with some students showing increased interest in political science while others showed disengagement.

Access to Educational Resources and Technology

• Impact of Funding on Resources: The fluctuations in federal funding indirectly affected the school’s access to updated technology and educational materials. Maintaining technology infrastructure became increasingly challenging with budget constraints.
• Digital Learning Opportunities: The school strived to provide equitable access to digital learning opportunities, despite budgetary limitations, recognizing the increasing importance of technology in modern education.

Conclusion: Understanding the Ripple Effect: The Impact of Trump's Presidency on Rural Education

The experience of Harmony Creek Elementary demonstrates the multifaceted and far-reaching impact of Trump's presidency on rural schools. From the direct effects of funding changes to the indirect consequences of national policy shifts on local economies and social dynamics, the school faced numerous challenges. This case study underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of how national policies affect rural communities thousands of miles from the seat of power. Understanding the impact of Trump’s presidency on rural America, particularly on rural education, requires further investigation. Further research on the effects of national policies on rural schools is crucial. Let's continue the conversation about improving rural education and ensuring equitable resource distribution for all students, regardless of their geographic location.