U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Central Oregon on April 20, 2026, as part of her nationwide “Returning Education to the States Tour.” The 50-state initiative seeks to gather best practices from local schools and colleges to compile a toolkit for distribution nationwide.
During her visit, McMahon toured Crook County High School in Prineville, where she observed career technical education programs including health occupations—where students demonstrated CPR—the construction program, and the student store run by business and marketing students. She also discussed Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses that allow students to earn college credit before graduation.
At Crooked River Elementary School, McMahon observed reading instruction focused on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, which district officials credit for improving test scores. She also visited Central Oregon Community College in Bend, meeting with campus leadership to discuss the college’s aviation program and workforce training pathways.
“Central Oregon has strong examples of how workforce pathways in K-12 and postsecondary education are critical to developing our nation’s skilled workforce,” McMahon said. The tour aligns with the administration’s broader goal of returning education decision-making to state and local levels.
https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-secretary-of-education-linda-mcmahon-visits-oregon-returning-education-states-tour