Increasing education opportunities in Montana isn’t going to happen through another federal mandate or a one-size-fits-all regulation. We need to empower our state, our local school boards, our teachers and parents to work together to develop solutions that best fit our kids’ unique needs.
As we work to grow Montana’s technology and resources jobs, we cannot underestimate the importance of encouraging our students’ interests in science, math, engineering and technology or of trade schools. In Montana, students are often forced to leave our state to find good-paying and long-lasting careers. We need to ensure that our students have the skills they need to find good-paying jobs that can keep them here at home after graduation.
Daines Statement on Successful Push to Change School District Policy Allowing Emily Pennington to Finish School
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today made the following statement after Billings School District 2 announced a policy change that will allow Emily Pennington to finish school and graduate with her class. “Emily Pennington and her family never backed down in the face of a challenge and last night, their dedication and hard work paid off,” Daines said. “I’m glad to see such a passionate student given the opportunity to finish school and graduate. Congratulations, Emily!” Last month, Daines pushed the district to amend their policy and allow Emily to graduate. He also spoke with Emily’s mom to show his support for the
Daines Urges Billings School District 2 to Allow Emily Pennington to Graduate
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter urging Billings School District 2 to allow Emily Pennington to finish her education and graduate from Billings West High School. Throughout her time in school, Emily’s academic progress had been delayed on medical grounds. Earlier today, Daines spoke with Emily’s mom to show his support. “I am writing to request you promptly amend District Policy 2050 for Billings West High School Junior, Ms. Emily Pennington. Parents and trustees alike understand the importance of a high school diploma for the prospects and success of Montana students. I am a steadfast supporter of
Daines: Montana Parents Should Have a Choice in their Child’s Education
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced a Senate resolution designating this week, January 23 through January 29, 2022, as National School Choice Week. “Montana parents know what’s best for their children—we must support their right to have a say in their student’s education,” Daines said. “It’s critical that we empower and support parents with the flexibility to choose how and where their child is educated, especially in a rural state like Montana.” To read the resolution, click HERE. Daines also cosponsored a resolution which recognizes the importance of school choice particularly as it relates to COVID-19 and combating destructive ideologies like Critical Race Theory promoted by
Daines Introduces Bill to Give States More Control Over Education Spending
U.S. SENATE—U.S. Senator Steve Daines today reintroduced the “Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act” or the “A-PLUS Act” to give Montanans more say over how their tax dollars are spent on education. “Montana parents and teachers know what Montana students need best,” Daines said. “We should empower state and local leaders to have more of a say in the classroom, and keep DC bureaucrats and the federal government out of it.” “‘The A Plus Act’ is about more than removing burdens and giving schools flexibility. The ‘A Plus Act’ is about preserving local control and the Montana way of life. The need to provide
Daines: Montanans Don’t Want DC Bureaucrats Telling Them What’s Best for their Students
U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines reintroduced the Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act (A-PLUS Act), a bill that would give Montanans more say over how their tax dollars are spent on education. “Montana’s students deserve the best education our schools can give them,” Daines said. “Montana educators and administrators know what their students need to succeed better than DC bureaucrats. That’s why I introduced this bill to expand local control of our schools so we can return federal education dollars back where they belong — closer to the classroom.” Elsie Arntzen, Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction, supports Daines’
Daines Announces Grants for MSU for Rural Healthcare & Asbestos Research
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced Montana State University (MSU) received $190,000 to increase quality healthcare services and for asbestos research. MSU received $172,000 for the State Office of Rural Health (SORH) to improve access to, and the quality of, healthcare for rural Montana. “I look forward to seeing Montana State University use this funding to expand their healthcare services to increase the quality of services for rural Montanans,” Daines stated. Kristin Juliar, Director of Montana Area Health Education Center and Office of Rural Health: “We find inspiration every day in the work of the healthcare organizations that serve rural and
Daines’ Resolution to Celebrate Nation’s Teachers Passes Senate
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines this week celebrated and honored teachers by introducing a resolution to commemorate National Teacher Appreciation Week, the week of May 2, 2016. This week the resolution passed the Senate unanimously “During National Teacher Appreciation Week, and every day, I want to thank my first grade teacher Mrs. Hahn for teaching me how to read at Longfellow Elementary School in Bozeman. She truly believed in her students and gave me the confidence to succeed as a young child,” Daines stated. “Our teachers are tireless public servants who support, inspire and cultivate the next generation of Montana leaders.” Daines invites
Daines Introduces Bill to Update Cultural Educational Program for Native Students
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation to update decades-old data the federal government uses to distribute funds to benefit Native American students. The Johnson-O’Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act would make about 500,000 Native students eligible to access federal resources that would help address many of the students’ unique academic and cultural needs. Because of the lack of accurate data in how Native students are counted by the federal government, many Native students in public schools across the country eligible for federal cultural educational support through the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program have lacked access to such resources.
Daines Announces Four Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to four Montana public schools as part of the United States Senate’s Computers for Schools Program. “Access to computers and technology is a vital part of today’s learning environment that helps students connect with the world beyond their classroom walls, explore new topics and advance their education,” Daines stated. “The Computers for Schools program helps students develop and maintain their computer skills to succeed in our increasingly global economy.” Through the program, four Montana schools have received a combination of HP8000, 8200 Small Form Factor (SFF)