Guest opinion: Montana schools must change to meet new needs

The constitution of the state of Montana guarantees a basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools. It is the obligation of the citizens of this state to provide an adequate and equitable funding source to ensure that this guarantee is met. The representatives of the citizens, the elected legislators of Montana, will need to address this issue in the upcoming legislative session.

By GARY BRANAE
State Representative

As a parent and former educator, I view the current discussion of educational issues from a perspective that may be different from that of some of my fellow legislators. The 30-plus years I spent in the public school system and my role as the father of two college-educated daughters who are products of the local public school system convince me that a solid quality education is, perhaps, the greatest gift we can give our children.

Legislative responsibility

As the Legislature prepares for the 2005 session, we must tackle the challenge of addressing the shortfalls of Montana’s funding system for public schools. Providing a quality education system does require money.

School districts across the state are desperately trying to find funds to attract and retain the type of quality educators that have provided the backbone of the strong education system we have had. Maintenance of buildings has been deferred. Classrooms have become more crowded. Mandates from the state and federal governments have increased without the accompanying funds to support them. These include the constantly increasing demands for special education services and, more recently, the No Child Left Behind Act. We are operating a 21st century education system with 20th century tools. There are many difficult decisions to be made. Money will be needed. Yet it is shortsighted to consider the current status of public education with only a discussion of money. We also have the opportunity to advance a new vision for the future of Montana’s public school system. I view this as a tremendous opportunity.

Outdated funding system

It is time to stop looking in our rear-view mirror while pursuing efforts to move Montana forward. Having served on the House Education Committee for two sessions, I feel that our funding system does not do service to our children. The system is based on a view of education that does not take into consideration the major changes in today’s demographics as well as today’s global and ever-expanding community. What worked in the past will not necessarily work in the future. Our state is experiencing population shifts – people are tending to gather in seven urban areas across the landscape while the more rural areas continue to lose population. We must redesign our education system to reflect the needs of the growing population centers, while at the same time respecting the needs of those rural schools with declining enrollments. Innovative approaches to education are imperative. The legislators must be good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars. But at the same time we must be bold and spend the needed money to ensure that our system of education enables Montana to provide conditions for economic development and a high quality of life. The returns will be many-fold.

I strongly feel that a quality public education system will play a major role in shaping the future of our state. We must design this system to help our children meet their potential and also to help our economy become dynamic and move forward. A progressive education system is essential to attract new businesses and improve existing ones.

New residents and businesses are more inclined to move to a location with a strong education system. A well-trained work force is essential to provide workers for established as well as new businesses.

Economic benefits

I would encourage you to visit a public school – one of your schools. Find out first-hand what goes on inside the walls of those buildings you drive by so often. Visit a classroom and see the excitement and enthusiasm of students engaged in the learning process. Have the teacher tell you what it is really like to work with young people. Engage the principal in a discussion about the realities and the needs of the school. It would also be a good idea to contact a school board member to get his or her perspective of the education scene. It is always better to carry on a discussion of the issues when one is informed.

It is my hope that in the months ahead, the discussions regarding the future of education in our state are not simply about dollars and cents. We must concentrate on our educational values. Montana’s greatest resource is its youth. As we continue our consideration of the adequacy of our state’s educational system, I challenge us to keep the youth at the forefront of all discussions. They deserve nothing less.

Gary Branae is a Democrat representing House District in 54 Billings.

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