U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Outreach John White will address the “brain drain” in rural America during a discussion sponsored by the Appalachian Higher Education Network on Monday, April 4 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. The discussion will include Maria Kefalas, co-author of “Hollowing Out The Middle – The Rural Brain Drain and What it means for America,” and Earl Gohl, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Council. During the event, White will highlight the Administration's blueprint for reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and how it considers the specific needs of rural schools while aiming to better prepare all students for success in college and