FEDERAL STUDENT AID OFFICE EYES REORGANIZATION, SEEKS STAFFING INCREASE: The Office of Federal Student Aid is proposing a sweeping reorganization of its more than 1,000-person workforce, which will include hiring more employees.
— Mark Brown, head of the office, is pushing the plan as a way to build a “21-st century organization that’s agile, transparent, and student-focused,” a department official said. Brown unveiled details about the proposal during an FSA staff meeting on Tuesday. He also briefed congressional staff earlier this week and last week.
— The reorganization — and push for more staff — comes as the Office of Federal Student Aid is undertaking a massive project, known as “Next Gen,” that will overhaul how the agency collects federal student loans. Dozens of staffers have already been assigned to work on the project — and the department expects more will be needed going forward.