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U.S. Secretary of Education appoints...

U.S. Secretary of Education appoints former Governor Bryant to National Assessment Governing Board

By: Frank Corder - November 17, 2025

(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis - Copyright 2011 AP. All rights reserved.)

  • Bryant, who fills one of two seats designated for state governors from different political parties, is the second Mississippian appointed by McMahon to the NAGB. 

Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has been appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB). 

The announcement came Monday from U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Bryant fills one of two seats designated for state governors from different political parties.

McMahon said Bryant brings an important state perspective to the National Assessment Governing Board. 

“During his tenure, he signed Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act into law, which kicked off the state’s remarkable literacy growth which is aptly known as the ‘Mississippi Miracle,’” said Secretary McMahon. “I am grateful for his willingness to serve and look forward to the great work he will do on the Board.” 

NAGB is the policy board that oversees the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) – otherwise known as The Nation’s Report Card.

Bryant shared the news of the appointment on social media, saying that NAEP is a crucial measure of how the government is serving U.S. students, “and there is so much that policymakers and education leaders can learn from NAEP and use in their own communities.” 

“I’m honored to join the Governing Board and hope to help more places experience the kind of dramatic progress we’ve seen in Mississippi in reading,” Bryant said. “Across the country, we need to also advance achievement in math, civics, U.S. history, and science.”

Bryant is the second Mississippian McMahon has appointed to NAGB. She previously appointed Kymyona Burk to the board. 

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com