Prioritizing Rural Education

Our students deserve the very best education Montana can offer, no matter if they are in Great Falls or Glasgow. Unfortunately, the needs of urban population centers often get much more attention when politicians gather in Helena, while rural schools are all but ignored. That won’t happen under my watch.

I’m running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction to serve all of our students, realizing that education is just as important in smaller towns as it is in our bigger cities. Rural communities face unique challenges, but the opportunities for success are still abundant.

I was thrilled to tour the STEM lab in Glasgow’s middle school this past week, where I saw firsthand how technology can combine with rural education to propel students to success. Anyone who has driven a newer combine knows how closely technology and the needs of a modern agricultural community are intertwined.

To ensure that our students are engaged in learning throughout their time in school, it’s critical to attract quality teachers to our rural areas. With a low cost of living and strong sense of community, northeastern Montana has a lot to offer both new and experienced teachers. During my visit, I heard from so many educators that recruitment is a much bigger challenge than retention. Once teachers get to northeastern Montana, they don’t want to leave. That retention rate is a sign of a vibrant community that can foster a positive learning environment for our kids.

While increasing graduation rates is a goal of mine as State Superintendent, I’m also focused on ensuring that there is value in a high school diploma. To prepare students for the demands of high school, it’s critical that we provide them with the skills to succeed throughout the K-8 level. With a renewed emphasis on middle school learning, we can help build the foundations for success that will allow students to thrive once they enter high school.

Whether a graduate goes on to higher education or enters the workforce after school, they must be prepared to contribute in our rapidly changing economy. Throughout my 23 years as a public school teacher, I’ve been able to witness my students grow up into accomplished adults. Creating pathways to success for our current students is an essential task for our next State Superintendent. With my years of experience in both the classroom and the legislature, I’ll work to ensure that our public education system serves all of our students in both Montana’s urban and rural communities.

Elsie Arntzen is a 23-year public school teacher who served eight years in the Montana House of Representatives and is currently a Montana state Senator. She lives in Billings.