Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding the confirmation of Linda McMahon as secretary of education. Thune praised McMahon, describing her as an "accomplished businesswoman and public servant." He highlighted her role in expanding World Wrestling Entertainment and her contributions to education through initiatives promoting reading and civic engagement.

McMahon's past roles include serving on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University and the Connecticut Board of Education. She was also appointed by President Trump to lead the Small Business Administration, where she gained a reputation for effectively engaging with small businesses.

Thune emphasized McMahon's "valuable experience, incredible work ethic, and passion for education" as she takes on the leadership of the Department of Education. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, citing a recent report card showing that American students are struggling post-pandemic, with declining reading scores among fourth- and eighth-graders and modest improvements in math scores.

The senator stressed that educational improvements rely on local efforts rather than federal bureaucracy. He pointed out that while federal funding accounts for less than 10 percent of school budgets, it often comes with burdensome mandates that hinder innovation. Thune expressed his approval of McMahon's approach to tailor education to meet diverse needs across states, districts, schools, and individual students.

Thune shared insights from his meeting with McMahon about South Dakota's unique educational needs, including tribal schools. He looks forward to collaborating with her to reduce bureaucracy and empower local educators.