Kelly Rogers, the official overseeing special education at the U.S. Department of Education, has announced her resignation. Rogers, who assumed leadership of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in May, revealed her departure to staff on Wednesday, just days before a planned transfer of her team to the Department of Health and Human Services.
In an internal message, Rogers stated she is stepping down as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for OSERS, effective September 11, 2026, to return to Florida. She expressed confidence that her team would continue to achieve positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities through the ongoing partnership with HHS.
Savannah Newhouse, a press secretary for the Education Department, confirmed the resignation to NPR. Newhouse noted that Rogers is leaving to pursue a new opportunity and to be closer to her family.
The sudden exit occurs against a backdrop of significant organizational change within the federal education agency. The proposed shift of special education staff to HHS is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the Education Department. Some employees expressed shock at the timing of Rogers’ departure, with several requesting anonymity due to restrictions on speaking publicly about internal matters.
Disability rights advocates have strongly criticized the move to transfer special education responsibilities to a different agency, arguing it undermines the dedicated focus required for student services.
Short tenure, big drama. Sounds like a classic case of political appointees struggling to manage a department they were never really meant to keep intact.
My niece relies on those services. If this gets buried under HHS priorities, students with disabilities lose their voice. We need to pay attention now.
Returning to Florida sounds personal, sure. But timing is suspicious. Why leave right when the transfer happens? Makes you wonder what wasn’t said in that internal memo.
I always knew the Education Department was vulnerable, but moving special ed to HHS feels like hiding the ball. Where are the kids going to go?
Four months? That’s barely enough time to find a parking spot. This reorganization is chaotic and deeply concerning for families.