2700 Miles Away: A Rural School's Experience Of Trump's First 100 Days

Joon Kim

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the Rural Community (Keyword: Rural Economy, Trump Administration)

The Trump administration's early policies had a ripple effect, significantly impacting the rural economy and, consequently, Harmony Creek Elementary.

Changes in Federal Funding for Education

• Reduced funding for school lunches: A 10% decrease in federal funding for the National School Lunch Program resulted in fewer menu options and increased reliance on local fundraising.
• Elimination of after-school programs: The loss of federal grants forced the cancellation of vital after-school programs, impacting students' access to tutoring and extracurricular activities.
• "The cuts hit us hard," lamented Principal Emily Carter. "We had to make some difficult choices, affecting both our students and our staff."

Impact on Local Businesses and Employment

The national economic climate directly influenced the local businesses supporting Harmony Creek.

• Struggling farms: Reduced agricultural subsidies led to financial hardship for local farms, impacting families connected to the school.
• Closure of the local hardware store: The economic downturn forced the closure of the only hardware store in town, resulting in job losses and limited access to essential supplies.
• "Uncertainty is the word," stated farmer John Miller. "We're just trying to keep our heads above water."

Political Climate and Shifting Community Dynamics (Keyword: Political Polarization, Rural America)

The political climate shifted dramatically, impacting the social fabric of Harmony Creek.

Changes in Social and Political Discourse

• Increased polarization: The election exposed existing political divides within the community, leading to strained relationships between neighbors and families.
• Rise in political activism: While some remained politically inactive, a small group organized local meetings to discuss concerns and engage in advocacy.
• "It felt like the community was split down the middle," shared Sarah Jenkins, a teacher at the school. "It was challenging to navigate those divisions."

Impact on Students and Education

The political climate inevitably seeped into the school environment.

• Increased anxiety among students: Many students expressed anxiety and uncertainty about the future, reflecting the national political climate.
• Classroom discussions: Teachers found themselves addressing political issues in the classroom, facilitating open and respectful dialogues about current events.
• "The kids were absorbing everything," noted one teacher. "We had to create a safe space for them to process their feelings and questions."

Policy Changes and Their Effects on the School (Keyword: Education Policy, Trump Administration)

Specific policy changes had direct implications for Harmony Creek Elementary.

Specific policy changes relevant to the school

• Environmental regulations: Changes to environmental regulations concerning water quality affected the school's access to clean water, necessitating costly upgrades to their water filtration system.
• Healthcare access: Reductions in healthcare subsidies impacted the families of students and school staff, leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced access to care.

Adaptation Strategies Implemented by the School

Harmony Creek Elementary responded proactively to the challenges.

• Increased community fundraising: The school organized community fundraising efforts to supplement lost funding and support after-school programs.
• Seeking alternative funding sources: The school explored grant opportunities and partnerships with local organizations to secure funding for essential resources.
• "We had to be resourceful," stated Principal Carter. "The community rallied together to support the school and each other."

Reflecting on the First 100 Days – 2700 Miles Away

The first 100 days of the Trump administration profoundly impacted Harmony Creek Elementary and its community, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of national policies on even the most remote areas. The economic challenges, the shifting political landscape, and the changes in education policy created significant obstacles. However, the experience also revealed the resilience and adaptability of this rural community, demonstrating its capacity to overcome adversity through collective action and community spirit. To understand the impact of national policy on rural America, it is crucial to consider the experiences of communities like Harmony Creek. Learn more about the challenges facing rural schools and explore the resilience of rural communities during periods of significant political and economic change.