New Bern recently welcomed a prominent figure in education policy as U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon attended an American First Speaker Series event on July 14, 2026. Held at Baker’s Kitchen, the event saw Secretary McMahon and congressional candidate Laurie Buckout engage with local reporters from WNCT, WITN, WCTI, and the Sun Journal, fielding questions on a range of educational topics pertinent to our community and beyond.
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For New Bern residents, Secretary McMahon’s visit resonated on multiple levels. A proud New Bern native, McMahon shared a personal connection, highlighting her roots in our town and the importance of parental involvement in education. The discussions touched upon critical local issues, including teacher pay, with the Secretary acknowledging that teachers are often “underpaid” and calling teaching “the most noble profession.” While clarifying that the Department of Education doesn’t directly control local salaries, her comments, alongside the mention of the North Carolina governor’s 3% increase in starting teacher salaries, speak directly to the concerns of our educators and families. The conversation also delved into school choice, scholarships, and the evolving role of technology in classrooms, including a debate on the use of smartphones in schools, reflecting the ongoing discussions within our own Craven County school system as it undergoes significant changes.
As we continue to navigate the future of education in New Bern, community engagement and support for our schools and educators remain paramount. Stay tuned to Support New Bern for more updates on how these national conversations impact our local landscape and discover ways you can get involved in strengthening our educational foundations.
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