News Summary

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently visited Midland, Michigan, promoting school choice and criticizing the state’s education system. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of implementing evidence-based curricula and proposed the adoption of a federally backed school voucher program. McMahon highlighted alarming statistics about students’ reading proficiency in Michigan, advocating for programs aligned with successful educational strategies. Her visit sparked controversy and criticism from public education advocates, who expressed concerns about funding cuts and the potential privatization of education.

Midland, Michigan – U.S. Education Secretary Advocates for School Choice and Critiques State’s Education System

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently toured lower Michigan, advocating for school choice and highlighting the inadequacies of the state’s education system. During her visit, she questioned Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for not opting into a federally backed, state-run school voucher program that benefits private and religious schools. McMahon made these remarks while addressing the Midland County Republican Party’s “Bill Schuette Barbeque.”

Throughout her 25-minute speech, McMahon emphasized key educational programs stemming from President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill. Earlier that day, she visited Hillsdale College, known for its rejection of federal funding, followed by tours of public charter schools in Detroit and Redford, and Renaissance High School in Detroit, which has an admission test requirement.

McMahon outlined troubling statistics concerning Michigan’s students, particularly in reading. Reports indicate that Michigan ranks 44th in fourth-grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, with only 38.9% of third-grade students reading at a proficient or advanced level in English language arts. She stressed the urgency for Michigan to adopt existing programs such as “the science of reading,” which has recently been signed into law, although schools have until the 2027-2028 academic year to comply with this requirement.

During her discussions, McMahon expressed a desire for quicker implementation of evidence-based curricula designed to enhance reading proficiency. She referenced a recent visit to Mississippi, which has witnessed improvements in fourth-grade reading through various educational strategies. She highlighted the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed by Trump, which includes a tax-credit program akin to school vouchers, permitting taxpayers to donate to non-profit organizations that provide scholarship funds for students.

However, McMahon’s advocacy for such programs has not come without controversy. Critics argue that these scholarship initiatives could divert vital funding away from public education, leading to increased segregation within schools. While McMahon discussed the potential effectiveness of her proposed measures, her visit was framed within a broader initiative known as the “Returning Education to the States Tour,” aimed at promoting educational policies aligned with the Republican agenda.

Furthermore, McMahon discussed the proposed elimination of the federal Department of Education, as mandated by Trump’s executive order, asserting that such a move would empower state education systems. She clarified that eliminating the Department would not halt federal funding reaching schools.

Another aspect of McMahon’s agenda included highlighting the importance of trade school programs, advocating for greater access starting even in middle schools to prepare students for skilled trades. This aligns with a growing recognition of the need for diverse educational pathways beyond traditional academic routes.

In response to McMahon’s visit, Michigan public education advocates, including Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel, condemned her appearance as a platform for promoting Republican criticism of public schools. They flagged a concerning context of declining funding for public education due to cuts instituted by House Republicans, which pose threats to essential programs such as school meals.

Opponents of McMahon’s educational policies have voiced concerns over a perceived shift toward privatization that could undermine the integrity of public education systems across the state and the nation.

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Additional Resources

• Bridge Michigan
• Our Midland: Linda McMahon Talks Education
• Our Midland: Non-Resident School Choice
• Michigan’s Thumb: Public Charter School Plans
• Wikipedia: School Choice
• Google Search: School Voucher Program
• Google Scholar: School Choice Education Policy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
• Google News: Michigan Education Policy

Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER

DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.