Education secretary McMahon joins Gov. Pillen on Nebraska school visit as session ends

April 10, 2026 - 01:56

Governor Jim Pillen and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon concluded a significant week in Nebraska politics with a collaborative visit to Hamlow Elementary School. The event, held as the state's legislative session wrapped up, underscored a shared commitment to foundational learning.

Secretary McMahon's stop at the Waverly school is part of her national "Rethink School" tour, an initiative to visit educational institutions in all 50 states. The tour aims to observe innovative practices and foster discussions on local and federal partnerships in education. During the visit, the leaders observed classroom activities and engaged with educators, focusing on the critical importance of early childhood education and literacy development.

Governor Pillen emphasized the state's ongoing efforts to strengthen educational outcomes, noting the timing of the visit coincided with important legislative decisions. The tour provided a platform to discuss strategies for supporting teachers and ensuring students acquire essential reading skills from a young age. The visit served as a symbolic bridge between state-level policy work and federal support, highlighting education as a non-partisan priority for community and economic development. The engagement at Hamlow Elementary reinforced the message that early learning investments are crucial for building a strong future workforce and vibrant communities across Nebraska.