Gov. Rhoden Hosts U.S. Secretary of Education McMahon

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Hosts U.S. Secretary of Education McMahon

PIERRE, S.D. - Yesterday, Governor Larry Rhoden hosted U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on her first official visit to South Dakota. They highlighted educational outcomes and the importance of state and local control of educating our kids.

"Government is best when its closest to the people. Secretary McMahon and her team are doing incredible work to bring education back to the states," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "In South Dakota, we are laser focused on improving outcomes. We have already brought phonics back to the classroom with the Science of Reading, and we have made bold changes to replace common core with common sense in math."

Secretary McMahon has embarked on a fifty-state tour to empower families and hear from students, teachers, and leaders on best practices in their own communities. South Dakota Secretary of Education Dr. Joe Graves provided recommended stops for her visit. Secretary McMahon and her leadership team were able to see Colman-Egan High School, McCrossan Boy's Ranch, and the Flandreau Indian School as part of her nationwide tour.

Secretary McMahon thanked Governor Rhoden for South Dakota's opt-into President Donald Trump's school choice initiative. South Dakota was one of the first states to make this commitment, which will allow individuals to donate to organizations that provide tax credit scholarships, allowing families to choose the type of instruction that works best for their kids. The money will fund scholarships for families to use on a variety of educational purposes. This opportunity is available starting in January 2027.

Governor Rhoden also highlighted the Build Dakota scholarship and the close partnerships of technical schools, the K-12 education system, and businesses. This program equips students with skills to thrive in high-demand industries and demonstrates a shared investment in building a skilled and sustainable workforce. Last year, Governor Rhoden celebratedthe awarding of 630 new Build Dakota Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, the highest number in the program's history.

"It was incredible to see firsthand how South Dakota schools are equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow's workforce," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "By fostering in-demand skills and a deep appreciation for our nation's robust history, the Mount Rushmore State is preparing students for success."

The U.S. Department of Education also plans to move toward block grant funding to make it easier for states to fund their own unique needs and bolster successful models, like McCrossan Boys Ranch. This private non-profit organization provides an option that can help take care of issues brought up in testimony during the 2026 Legislative Session. Governor Rhoden signed HB 1017, which gives school boards flexibility to find alternative settings for students. While placement for disruptive students will not always be outside of the school, there are not enough facilities like it in South Dakota.

"Our students are the future of our state, and it's important that we continue to give them the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Because of the laws we've passed and the focus of the Trump Administration to return education back to the states, we will see more opportunities for parents to choose the learning environment that sets their kids up for success."

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