Education Secretary Participates in Discussion on “Let’s Get Ready!” Initiative
Colorado Springs – Education Secretary Linda McMahon attended the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs, joining NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis for a conversation about his Chair’s Initiative: Let’s Get Ready! Educating All Americans for Success. Governors engaged in a wide-ranging discussion with Secretary McMahon on Department of Education priorities, federal-state partnership, K-12 funding, apprenticeship programs and more.
“We have to rethink how we’re doing education,” said Secretary McMahon. “We are looking at all of the different aspects that can get students a productive educational environment, to get them into the workforce. From beginning to end, the goal is to get people into a productive job to support their family and to be part of the community and the citizenry of the country.”
Just prior to the session, Secretary McMahon announced that the Trump administration plans to release more than $5 billion in previously appropriated education funds. Governor Polis and NGA Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement:
“Clarity in funding distribution is essential for states to function. If money is appropriated and states and territories have made plans, it’s essential it’s distributed. We are thankful these bipartisan discussions with Secretary McMahon and other key officials during the NGA Summer Meeting led to the distribution of these education funds.
“This action ensures schools across the nation can maintain essential programs for English language learners, teacher training, and student enrichment as the new academic year begins. Governors from both parties stand united in prioritizing our children’s education, and we’re proud our advocacy helped secure this vital support for states and districts.”
Earlier this week, Governor Polis released a Roadmap for Governors based on his initiative, Let’s Get Ready! Educating All Americans for Success. The Roadmap is designed to support Governors and states to drive innovation, bolster capacity to measure what works and what doesn’t, and prepare students for successful futures and the economy for greater success. Governor Polis collaborated throughout the year with educators, parents and families, students, researchers, and community and business leaders to address challenges like workforce shortages, skills mismatch and widening opportunity gaps that limit true economic mobility for Americans.
