EdNews Virginia February 28, 2026
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon issued a warning to several Northern Virginia school districts, including Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, during a candid and wide-ranging interview with WJLA’s Nick Minock. Addressing the ongoing friction between federal guidance and local officials, McMahon called for “a return to normalcy” and greater accountability in Virginia’s public, government-run schools.
Highlights From the Interview
- Local Accountability: The Secretary warned jurisdictions like Arlington and Alexandria, stressing that any school district violating Title IX through its bathroom and locker room policies would be “taken to task” by the federal Department of Education.
- Parental Rights: Following a roundtable with NOVA parents, McMahon described the “anguish” of families, arguing that information regarding student safety is too often “kept from parents.”
- Back to Basics: McMahon lauded states that have embraced foundational methods, notably the “Science of Reading,” urging Virginia’s school officials to prioritize math and literacy over social policy.
- Downsizing the Department: The Secretary confirmed that her department is currently piloting “proof of concept” agreements to move certain programs to other agencies.
- School Choice: McMahon touted a new era of educational freedom, arguing that the administration’s tax-credit scholarship plan allows Virginia families to escape “failing schools” without draining the public treasury.
Looking Ahead: Civics and America 250
Looking ahead, McMahon highlighted the “History Rocks” tour and the “1776 Scholar Award,” a national civics competition offering over $200,000 in scholarship money. She expressed hope that the coming year would “re-energize civics education” as the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary.