On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, Betsy DeVos, became the Department of Education’s eleventh secretary, since the department’s founding on May 4, 1980. DeVos was confirmed in a 51-50 Senate vote. Vice-President Mike Pence, cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of DeVos. Vice-President Pence also presided over her swearing in ceremony later in the day.
Devos will now head an executive branch agency with over 4,400 employees and an annual budget of over $78 million. The Department of Education’s mission efforts affect millions of young Americans in schools from grade levels K-12, and in higher level education institutions.