Trump's First 100 Days: A Rural School's Perspective (2700 Miles From DC)

Elias Adebayo

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on Rural Communities

The economic well-being of rural America is intrinsically linked to agriculture and infrastructure. The Trump administration's initial policies in these areas significantly impacted Harmony Creek and its surrounding communities.

Changes in Agricultural Policy

The renegotiation of NAFTA and potential changes to farm subsidies were closely watched by the farming families who formed the backbone of our community.

• Local Impact: Old Man Fitzwilliam, who’d farmed these lands for fifty years, saw a noticeable dip in soybean prices following the initial trade negotiations, impacting his livelihood and his ability to support his family.
• School Lunch Programs: Fluctuations in crop prices directly affected the school lunch program. Higher prices for staples like wheat and dairy meant less variety and potentially smaller portions for our students.
• Food Security Concerns: The uncertainty surrounding agricultural policy created anxieties about food security, a crucial concern for a rural community heavily reliant on local farming.

Infrastructure Spending and its Absence

The promised infrastructure investment remained largely absent in our rural corner of the country. This lack of investment translated directly into challenges for Harmony Creek Elementary and the wider community.

• Deteriorating School Buildings: Our school building, constructed in the 1950s, suffers from leaky roofs, outdated heating systems, and insufficient classroom space. Promised federal investment in school infrastructure failed to materialize.
• Transportation Issues: The dilapidated condition of local roads made transportation to and from school hazardous, especially during inclement weather. Improved infrastructure would have made a significant difference to the safety and well-being of our students.
• Limited Internet Access: Reliable high-speed internet access remains a significant problem, hindering both student learning and the overall economic development of the community. The absence of robust investment in broadband infrastructure perpetuated this digital divide.

Social and Cultural Impacts

Beyond the economic sphere, the Trump administration’s first 100 days sparked social and cultural shifts within our rural community, impacting the school environment as well.

Changes in Immigration Policy and its Ripple Effect

Changes in immigration policy immediately impacted the local agricultural sector, which relies heavily on seasonal migrant workers.

• Labor Shortages: Many farms struggled to find workers to harvest crops, leading to losses and decreased productivity.
• School Demographics: While Harmony Creek maintained a relatively homogenous student population, the impact of stricter immigration policies on neighboring towns and the wider state was evident.
• Community Concerns: The community grappled with the ethical and practical consequences of these changes, leading to divisive conversations.

Shifting Social Attitudes and Political Polarization

The political discourse surrounding the new presidency deepened the existing divisions within our close-knit community.

• Increased Political Tensions: Previously amicable conversations around the dinner table or at local events became more tense and politically charged.
• Community Events: Traditionally unifying events felt strained as political differences surfaced.
• Impact on School Unity: Even within the school, subtle signs of political polarization emerged among students and staff, necessitating delicate navigation by school administrators.

Educational Policy and Funding

The Trump administration’s first 100 days also had a direct bearing on Harmony Creek Elementary’s educational landscape.

Changes in Federal Education Funding

Any adjustments to the federal education budget, even seemingly minor ones, had a cascading effect on a small rural school's resources.

• Budgetary Uncertainty: The uncertainty surrounding federal funding created anxiety and hampered long-term planning.
• Program Cuts: Concerns arose about potential cuts to crucial programs like arts education and after-school activities.
• Impact on Student Learning: Resource constraints could directly translate into fewer opportunities for students and a decline in the quality of education.

Curriculum Changes and the National Narrative

The national conversation surrounding the presidency inevitably found its way into our classrooms.

• Classroom Discussions: Current events became a frequent topic of discussion, requiring careful mediation to ensure respectful dialogue.
• Teaching Materials: Teachers had to adapt their teaching methods and materials to accommodate the wide range of opinions and perspectives within the classroom.
• Student Understanding: It became increasingly important for teachers to help students navigate the complex and often contradictory information surrounding current events and national politics.

Conclusion

The impact of Trump's first 100 days on Harmony Creek Elementary and its community was a microcosm of the wider challenges faced by rural America. While 2700 miles separated us from the national political whirlwind in Washington D.C., the effects of agricultural policy changes, infrastructure investment (or lack thereof), immigration policies, and shifts in educational funding were profoundly felt. Understanding the impact of national policies like those enacted during Trump's first 100 days requires considering perspectives from across the country, especially those 2700 miles from D.C. Learn more about the challenges faced by rural schools and communities and how national policy affects them. Explore resources from the National Rural Education Association and the USDA to deepen your understanding of the unique issues facing rural America.