Federal Special Education Chief Resigns Amid Education Department Downsizing
Kelly Rogers, acting head of the Education Department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, that she will resign effective September 11, 2026.[1]
Education Department press secretary Savannah Newhouse confirmed Rogers' departure and said Rogers is moving to Florida for a new opportunity and to be closer to family.[1] Her exit comes less than a day before many of her staff are scheduled to move from the Education Department to the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration's plan to downsize parts of the Education Department.[1] Disability rights advocates have widely condemned the planned transfer.[1]
Rogers has overseen the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services since May 2026.[1] Her resignation and the staff relocation are the latest moves in an administration effort that critics say will fragment federal oversight of disability services by moving specialized staff into HHS.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Kelly Rogers emailed staff that she will resign as Deputy Assistant Secretary/Acting Assistant Secretary for OSERS effective September 11, 2026.
- Rogers has overseen the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services since May 2026.
- Her resignation comes less than a day before much of her staff is scheduled to relocate to the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the Education Department.
- Education Department Press Secretary Savannah Newhouse confirmed Rogers’ departure and said she is moving to Florida for a new opportunity and to be closer to family.
- Disability rights advocates have widely condemned the transfer of special education staff from Education to HHS.
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