U.S. Department of Education
10/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/14/2026 14:35
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits Minnesota on Returning Education to the States Tour
October 14, 2026
ROCHESTER, MN - Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Minnesota as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour.
Secretary McMahon began her visit at Great Oaks Academy, a public charter school serving students in grades K-10. The visit included a student choir ensemble performance, a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in Latin, and a presentation by a fifth-grade poetry class. Afterward, she participated in a Teachers Roundtable to discuss instructional practices and faculty experiences.
Next, Secretary McMahon toured Dakota County Technical College to see how students are preparing for in-demand industries, observing programs for veterinary technology, process technology, and electrical linework. Following the tour, she joined members of the Minnesota State Legislature for a lunch and roundtable discussion focused on returning more education decision-making back to the state and local levels.
Alongside U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber, Secretary McMahon wrapped the day at Rochester Community and Technical College. The group toured the campus's hands-on training labs, checking out the dental simulation, peace officer simulation, and automotive spaces.
"Minnesota is the 44th stop on the Returning Education to the States Tour," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "What our visits across the state make clear is that a truly responsive education system cannot be driven by federal mandates. From foundational civics and early literacy to high-tech medical and trade labs, success happens when local educators and state leaders have the autonomy to build programs that directly match the unique academic and workforce needs of their own communities."
Background:
On her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon is traveling to all 50 states to hear directly from teachers, parents, students, and community leaders about what is working in their communities and to compile a toolkit of best practices to share with states across the nation. Learn more about Secretary McMahon's Returning Education to the States Tour here.
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