A stop in Fayetteville by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon prompted questions from parents about how Cumberland County Schools (CCS) plans, communicates, and secures visits from high-profile officials.
McMahon, tasked with carrying out President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the federal education agency, visited Jack Britt High School on January 14 as part of her History Rocks! “Trail to Independence” tour. The visit promoted the civics education efforts of a coalition of conservative groups.
Cumberland school district officials said visits like McMahon’s are routine and follow established visitor and security protocols, which can affect how much information is shared in advance with families of students.
While the McMahon visit drew attention because of her national profile, Cumberland County Schools said the district approached it the same it typically coordinates visits from elected and appointed leaders.
How Cumberland County Schools Handles School Visitors
In a written statement provided to CityView, Lindsay Whitley, associate superintendent for communications and community engagement for Cumberland County Schools, said the district routinely hosts visits in its schools by high-profile guests who want to observe instruction and learn more about teaching and learning across the system.
“These visits allow our students, educators, and staff to showcase their work and engage in meaningful learning experiences,” Whitley said.
According to CCS, the district follows established security protocols and works closely with the visiting official’s security team but specific details aren’t publicly released in advance.
“As is customary, specific details—including exact timing—are often limited prior to the visit due to security considerations,” Whitley said. “In those situations, schools are advised to share information consistent with that guidance.”
District policies require anyone who is not a regular staff member or student to report to the school’s main office and receive permission to be on campus. Classroom visits must be authorized in advance by the principal or a designee.
During her remarks at Jack Britt, McMahon said she visited several civics classes at the school earlier in the day. CCS said classroom observations are a common component of official visits when approved and coordinated in advance by school leadership.
Why Parents Questioned McMahon’s Visit
Joseph Schwab, a parent of a Jack Britt student, asked about the school district’s approach to visitors during the school board meeting on January 13. He said he learned of McMahon’s visit through a friend the day before it occurred and questioned how information about the visit was communicated to families.
Schwab said he was told by his child that they were instructed not to share information about the visit with parents—a message he said raised concerns.
“Parents deserve clear communication about what is happening in their children’s school,” Schwab told board members. “Secrecy only erodes trust.”
CCS did not respond to Schwab’s comment during the meeting. Whitley later told CityView that communication with families during high-profile visits can vary depending on security guidance and the nature of the visit.
The district said the McMahon visit focused on history and civics education and student engagement.
“Cumberland County Schools works to balance transparency with safety during high-profile visits,” Whitley said, “and the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”