State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Welcomes Montana Students Back to School
STANFORD, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this afternoon welcomed students, teachers, and administrators back to school at Stanford Public Schools in Judith Basin County.
“Susan and I wish all young Montanans heading back to school this month a productive and fun year,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to advance commonsense reforms to support teachers, empower parents, and help students reach their full potential.”
Gov. Gianforte taking questions from young Montanans at Stanford Public Schools
During his visit, the governor visited with teachers and students in three classrooms, including the kindergarten classroom.
There, the governor talked with students about the new state fruit in Montana, the huckleberry.
“I like mine in ice cream,” one student told the governor.
Earlier this year, students at Vaughn Elementary School in Cascade County brought House Bill 880 before the legislature to designate the huckleberry as the state fruit of Montana.
Gov. Gianforte speaking with kindergarten students at Stanford Public Schools
This year, Gov. Gianforte funded Montana’s K-12 public schools at record levels, adding a historic $85.6 million to the state’s K-12 BASE aid funding. He also increased funding for school districts to invest in maintenance and capital improvement projects.
Empowering Montana students, the governor championed reforms which expand individualized and work-based learning, advance personal finance and civics education, and increase students’ opportunities in education.
To support Montana teachers, the governor boosted his signature TEACH Act program, which helped more than 500 teachers begin their careers in Montana in its first year. He also invested $40 million to establish the school health insurance trust.
“Teaching is a calling, and we’re committed to taking better care of those who help our kids reach their full potential,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With this investment, teachers in Montana have a tremendous opportunity to reduce their health insurance premiums and keep more of what they work hard to earn.”
In addition to boosting teacher pay and helping educators keep more of what they earn, the governor cut red tape this session to attract more qualified professionals to teach in Montana.
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