Gov. Gianforte Meets With Educators, Tribal Leaders and Innovative Entrepreneurs on 56 County Tour

• April 28 2022

HARLEM, Mont. – Promoting the state’s efforts to increase starting teacher pay, Governor Greg Gianforte today met with starting teachers and administrators in Havre and Harlem as his 56 County Tour continued in Chouteau, Hill, and Blaine counties.

“Creating greater opportunities for all Montanans to prosper, including our teachers, is what our Montana Comeback Plan is all about,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We boosted starting teacher pay to encourage more Montanans to start their teaching careers here, making our communities and classrooms stronger.”

Gov. Gianforte speaking with first-year teacher Kylee Urie in Harlem

At Sunnyside Intermediate School in Havre, the governor met with fourth-grade teacher Jenna McNew and fifth-grade teacher Parker Barsant, first-year educators who are benefitting from the TEACH Act, or Tomorrow’s Educators Are Coming Home Act. Introduced by the governor as a central component of his budget last year, the TEACH Act provides $2.5 million in incentives to improve startingteacher pay.

Superintendent of Havre Public Schools Craig Mueller emphasized the importance of the TEACH Act in helping to recruit and retain highly-qualified educators to the district.

“As a teacher, I love making connections with the kids while helping them grow as people and enjoy learning,” said Jenna McNew. “Thanks to the increase in salary from TEACH Act, our family is able to spend more quality time together traveling, playing sports, and creating family memories, while I pursue my passion.”

The governor later traveled to Harlem Elementary School to discuss benefits of the TEACH Act to the district. Two starting teachers qualified from the district for TEACH Act funding.

“The financial support we received through the TEACH Act allowed us to accomplish our goal of recruiting and retaining quality teachers,” said Superintendent Arlene Bigby. “As we continue recruiting more teachers to Harlem, they enjoy our high quality of life, make an impact in our children’s live, and become like family in our community.”

In addition to promoting the importance of increasing pay for Montana’s starting teachers, the governor attended the grand opening of IND HEMP, a hemp grain and fiber processing facility in Fort Benton. The facility is comprised of an oilseed food and feed facility that can support more than 10,000 acres of grain production each year and a 52,000 square-foot fiber facility.

“It’s always good to meet with and support Montana producers modernizing and keeping pace with a transforming ag industry,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This hemp processing facility is state-of-the-art, and we’re thrilled to have it here in Fort Benton.”

Gov. Gianforte marks grand opening of IND HEMP

In Harlem, the governor met with members of the Fort Belknap Tribal Council, and returned the first Fort Belknap flag to fly over the Tribal Flag Plaza at the Montana State Capitol to them.

At Chinook High School, the governor recognized senior Halle Mitchell with the Spirit of Montana award for her entrepreneurial drive. As a high school student, Mitchell began Boss Mare Beadwork, creating custom belts, hat bands, bracelets, lanyards, necklaces, and even halter nose bands for horses.

“The equation is simple: Montana needs more high-paying jobs, and entrepreneurs create jobs. So we need more Montana entrepreneurs,” the governor said. “Halle’s hard work transformed her innovative idea into a successful, thriving small business.”

Gov. Gianforte presents Spirit of Montana Award to Halle Mitchell

The governor’s 56 County Tour continues tomorrow along the Hi-Line.

###