Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s Impact

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has accomplished more for American education in her first 100 days than previous officials have in the last 45 years. Yet, many parents seem unaware of this progress.

I can partially understand their indifference. After all, why should they focus on federal officials when they have their own lives and children to care for?

But on the other hand, I get it. I wasn’t paying much attention either, and if I had been, maybe my daughter wouldn’t have been killed in 2018 at a high school in Parkland, Florida. I thought I was doing everything right—working hard and being a good father.

Once she was gone, I needed answers. I didn’t want to be the last father to suffer such a loss. I felt everything but, strangely, the media’s coverage didn’t disturb me. It felt predetermined. They had their narrative ready, pointing fingers at Republicans and gun ownership, shifting blame away from deeper issues.

The tragedy became politicized the moment it happened. I remember wearing a Trump T-shirt that day and facing ridicule online. I never thought I’d have a chance to meet him, but when I did, he asked how we could fix the problem. I suggested forming a committee to delve into school shootings. I thought it could yield valuable insights, and he seemed to appreciate the idea.

When President Trump released a report from the Federal School Safety Board, it felt like a step toward preventing other parents from experiencing our heartbreak. We gathered with other parents to discuss potential policy solutions. However, the moment the press arrived, they diverted the conversation to topics like the government shutdown.

He was visibly frustrated. A man used to facing cameras, I could see he was tired of that narrative. He confronted the media, emphasizing the importance of the parents’ painful mission compared to their trivial queries. It was a sickening display, and many parents still don’t grasp this fully.

The media contradicts itself—they cover school shootings while insisting schools are safe. Teachers’ unions will say safety is paramount, yet support policies that put educators at risk. Many Democrats insist everything will be fine, except for Trump being president. And when asked about shutting down the Department of Education, they act indignant.

But here’s the truth: it’s a flawed system.

Take federal safety laws, for example. There has been legislation for over 25 years that mandates states to take basic actions to protect students. Since my daughter’s tragic passing, I’ve focused on policies regarding school safety, yet I was unaware of these laws. Apparently, so were many others. Simply put, if states want federal funding, they must create systems to identify at-risk schools and provide alternative options for students in dangerous environments.

It seems basic enough. Strangely, only one state has been following this federal mandate. It’s disheartening, but perhaps not surprising. The Department of Education has one main responsibility: ensuring states adhere to federal regulations for safety. Yet, their focus seems to wander towards unrelated initiatives like transgender policies and common core standards.

After my daughter’s death, I collaborated with Senator Rick Scott and Governor Ron DeSantis to enhance safety in Florida’s schools. We accomplished significant changes, and I never would have imagined asking how the federal government could assist. Despite the longstanding nature of this law, it was virtually unknown, so why would we have thought to leverage it?

One person who truly understood the importance of safety was Jacob Oliva, who led Florida’s public schools during that challenging time. He was integral to our efforts and is now serving as Arkansas’s Secretary of Education. Currently, Arkansas is the only state properly enforcing the law aimed at protecting children, perhaps because Jacob actually took the time to read it.

McMahon is now reaching out to all states to ensure no further tragedies occur. I hope there won’t be more school shootings, not for anyone, particularly not the politicians or journalists who appear detached from the issue. These groups often criticize Secretary McMahon without contributing to meaningful solutions.

McMahon stands out as perhaps the first education secretary to acknowledge and act on this federal law designed to keep children safe. She resembles Trump in many ways—smart, caring, yet overlooked. Nevertheless, she’s committed to making a difference.

Your children will be safer thanks to Trump and McMahon, regardless of your feelings toward them. They are not the type of politicians swayed by media scrutiny. They have both sacrificed their business success to serve the public. Whether they gain recognition or not, they are intent on getting things done.

However, that’s just one piece of the puzzle. You’ve got to do your part, too.

For years, when parents approached me about keeping their children safe at school, I offered policy suggestions and encouraged them to get involved with the Board of Education. But after so many years of constant violence, I’ve changed my perspective. The information is there; the policies exist. With ongoing school shootings, I must be honest: If you’re still sending your child to public schools and asking these questions, you’re taking a significant risk every day they leave home.

Secretary McMahon is fulfilling her responsibilities, but the nation has to step up, and you must do your part as well. That’s the way towards making American public schools safe again—if both states and parents commit to ensuring safety standards are met.