Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Education is the lifeblood of our future. As a graduate of Bozeman Senior High and Montana State University, and parent of four children who have attended Bozeman public schools, I know firsthand how Montana educators go the extra mile to create an education environment conducive to learning. Montana's high school graduation rate is currently at 82% and we are continuing to see improvements that will push us into a top 10 ranked state in high school graduation.

The federal government plays a limited but important role in education, especially in helping states and local governments serve disadvantaged students and those with disabilities. As I meet with educators in Montana, they seem to share a concern about "one size fits all" metrics that currently dictate federal funding as part of No Child Left Behind. While well-intended, these metrics are difficult for rural areas to achieve. As Congress works to reauthorize and strengthen No Child Left Behind and the Higher Education Act, I will fight to ensure that all of Montana's education needs are met. As part of this effort, I will push for expanding school choice so that more parents can send their children to a high-performing school where public schools are poor.

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