Secretary of Education McMahon Visits Oregon’s Second Congressional District

CROOK COUNTY, OR –  Today, U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz’s Oregon office staff facilitated the visit of U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to Oregon’s Second Congressional District as part of her 50 State “Returning Education to the States” tour, with stops at Crook County High School and Crooked River Elementary School in Prineville.

While Congressman Bentz was unable to attend due to the U.S. House of Representatives being in session, his team coordinated the Secretary’s visit providing her with a firsthand look at how the Crook County School District in rural Oregon is delivering strong educational outcomes and expanding opportunity for students across the region.

Working with Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford, the Bentz team arranged for Secretary McMahon to engage directly with students, teachers, and administrators, so that she could hear firsthand about the programs, challenges, and successes shaping education in Central Oregon.
 

“Schools are the foundation of our communities, essential to the economic and social survival of the rural parts of our state,” said Congressman Bentz. “Visits like this provide agencies such as the Department of Education in Washington D.C. with invaluable insight into what is happening in our schools and where improvements are needed. Hearing directly from those on the ground helps better inform national policy decisions and improves opportunities for the success of students in Oregon and across our nation.”

Secretary McMahon toured the Crook County District’s Career and Technical Education facilities, which house business, construction, and health programs. These hands-on learning environments give students real-world experience in project management, design, and skilled trades, with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and build the leadership skills essential for career success. The district also highlighted its expansive Advanced Placement and dual-credit offerings, including a pathway which allows students to earn an Associate’s Degree upon high school graduation.

“It’s not every day you find yourself coordinating a school visit alongside the Secret Service,” said Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff. “We were honored to host Secretary McMahon in our schools. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you are on, we believe in the importance of meaningful dialogue, building bridges, and showcasing the incredible opportunities available to Crook County students.”

“We are deeply committed to providing the highest quality educational experience for every Crook County student,” said Director of School Improvement Dr. Bri Van Roekel. “It was an honor to welcome Secretary McMahon and share the work happening in our classrooms, while also learning from the broader conversation about education.”

“It was an honor working with Congressman Bentz to help bring Secretary McMahon to Crook County,” said Commissioner Seth Crawford. “Our schools play a critical role in preparing the next generation of Crook County residents for high-paying, in-demand careers, and it’s important to keep our focus on that work.”
 

The visit also included a stop at Crooked River Elementary, where discussions centered on early literacy and building strong foundational skills that support long term academic success. Throughout the day, conversations focused on continuous improvement, celebrating district successes, and identifying opportunities to further strengthen outcomes for all students.

The Secretary’s visit gave Crook County School District the opportunity to showcase the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local leaders which helps students, empowers educators, and improves the future of education across Oregon.