U.S. Education Secretary Tours Mat-Su Career and Charter Schools

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon toured two Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District schools on May 7, meeting with students and teachers during a visit that is part of a larger tour of Alaska and a brief stop on her 50-state tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

McMahon visited Mat-Su Career and Technical High School and Knik Charter School in Wasilla, accompanied by Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Deena Bishop.

At Mat-Su Career and Technical High School, Principal Jason Ross showed McMahon the school's forestry program, private pilot and air frames construction facility, and teacher housing construction area. Students talked with the Secretary about their experiences and fondness for the school and its career-oriented programs.

The visit continued at Knik Charter School, where McMahon and Bishop met with students and teachers and joined Principal Jason Moen for a History Rocks! event. Students showcased their knowledge of U.S. history and listened to inspiring messages from both the Secretary and Commissioner.

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development serves more than 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state.

For more information, contact Bryan Zadalis, Public Information Officer for the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, at [email protected] or 907-465-2800.