National PTA President on Linda McMahon’s confirmation: 'Public dollars must remain invested in public schools'

Yvonne Johnson, president of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), expressed concerns about Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's support for policies that could divert resources from public schools. Johnson made this statement in a press release on March 3.

"National PTA appreciates Secretary McMahon indicating that she will prioritize parent voice," said Johnson. "Our association opposes efforts to undermine public education by diverting taxpayer funds to private school choice systems. We remain steadfast in advocating for high-quality public education with high standards and accountability."

According to ABC News, Linda McMahon was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Education on March 3, 2025, by a Senate vote of 51-45. Following her confirmation, she was sworn in at the Department of Education. McMahon has said her intent to "make good" on President Donald Trump’s education policies, including returning control to the states and promoting school choice. Senate Democrats and civil rights groups have raised concerns about her stance on dismantling the Department of Education and its impact on public school funding.

During the 2021-22 school year, approximately 54.6 million students were enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade across public, private, and charter schools in the U.S. The majority (83%) attended traditional public schools, while 10% were enrolled in private schools, and 7% attended public charter schools. Public school enrollment varied by state, with Wyoming (97%), West Virginia (95%), and Montana (93%) having the highest shares of students in public schools, according to the Pew Research Center.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average per-pupil expenditure in U.S. public schools was $12,756 in the 2018-19 academic year. However, funding disparities persist, with some states spending as little as $7,628 per student while others invest more than $20,000 per student, resulting in unequal educational opportunities.

A report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that private school voucher programs often lack the same oversight and accountability measures as public schools. The report noted that many voucher programs do not require participating private schools to administer standardized tests or report student performance metrics.

According to the National PTA website, Johnson is the 58th president of the National PTA and brings nearly 30 years of experience in advocacy and leadership roles. She has served as Delaware PTA state president and National PTA vice president of advocacy. Johnson is known for leading successful education advocacy efforts, including passing bills in Delaware.