According to my understanding, the abolishment of a Federal Dept of Education is a different issue from prayer in schools, the latter being directly related to First Amendment rights.
Is Rand Paul pro prayer in schools?
Middlesboro Daily News interview:
Rand Paul: "...The first amendment says that Congress shall establish no religion, it doesnt say that Congress shall tell the local school district whether it can have any kind of religious activity in their schools."
MDN: "So you wouldnt be opposed to prayer in public schools if the county voted on it?"
Rand Paul: "No, its a local decision."