Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education Resigns Amid Department Shakeup

Kelly Rogers informed her staff on Wednesday that she will step down from her position as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, with her exit slated for September 11, 2026. She has been in charge of the office since May and chose to resign a day before her employees were scheduled to move to a Department of Health and Human Services facility, a shift tied to the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the Education Department.

Internal emails revealed the abrupt timing, prompting shock among unnamed employees. Press Secretary Savannah Newhouse confirmed Rogers' departure, noting she is moving back to Florida to pursue a new opportunity and be closer to family. Disability rights groups have criticized the transfer of special-education staff to another agency. Rogers expressed confidence that her team will continue advancing outcomes for individuals with disabilities through the upcoming partnership with HHS.