Key Points
- U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Wyoming as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour.
- The visit highlighted Wyoming’s strong student performance and locally driven education initiatives.
- McMahon and state leaders stressed the importance of reducing federal bureaucracy and empowering states in education policy.
- Federal funding for schools will continue despite plans to return decision-making power to states.
- Civics education emerged as a central theme, with leaders urging its reintegration into curricula nationwide.
Secretary McMahon’s National Tour Highlights Local Education Success
JACKSON, Wyo. – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Jackson Hole Classical Academy on Thursday as part of her 50-state Returning Education to the States Tour, a nationwide initiative designed to highlight successful state-led education models.
Joined by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, McMahon toured classrooms and engaged in a roundtable discussion with state leaders and educators.
McMahon praised Wyoming’s track record, noting that its students rank among the top five nationally in fourth-grade math and reading.
She emphasized that these gains reflect state-level initiatives rather than federal programs. “You look at the states that have been so successful raising their scores… that’s not because of anything that is done at the federal level,” McMahon said.
Wyoming’s Distinctive Approach
Governor Gordon pointed to state programs such as RIDE and WIP, which focus on reimagining classroom delivery and expanding career pathways. He argued that Wyoming’s small, rural context requires flexibility beyond what federal mandates can offer.
“In Wyoming, students shouldn’t have to choose between math and band because of rigid national standards,” Gordon said.
Superintendent Degenfelder echoed this sentiment, calling the shift of decision-making authority back to the classroom a “historic” moment for families and educators.
Civics Education and Federal Role
A recurring theme during the visit was civics education. McMahon expressed concern about declining civic pride among young Americans, citing data showing only 41% of adults under 30 say they are proud to be American. She argued that reintegrating civics instruction could help reverse this trend.
Despite the Trump administration’s broader effort to shrink the Department of Education, McMahon assured parents that federal funding will remain stable. “The Department largely functions as a pass-through for money already appropriated by Congress.
Debate Over Federal vs. State Control
The Jackson stop underscores a growing national debate over federal versus state control of education. While the administration frames the initiative as reducing bureaucracy and strengthening local voices, critics warn that shifting responsibilities to states could widen disparities.
McMahon’s tour will continue across the country, spotlighting models she argues can inspire reforms nationwide.
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