Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Community Members,

Today I traveled with our Business Department to Helena to speak with the legislature regarding funding for Career Technical Education (“CTE”).  As many of you know, CTE is a focus on career-readiness for our students.  It is a chance to provide a learning-focused environment where students can acquire the knowledge, skills and character necessary for whatever future path they may choose.  CTE entices kids to stay in school, while providing Montana businesses with a top-notch workforce.

Currently, Montana ranks near the lowest of all states for funding the added costs for Career and Technical Education in the nation and yet, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18 of the 20 fastest growing occupations within the next decade will require career and technical education.   (Please click here to see a comparison.) Being at the bottom isn’t just an ego matter, it’s a dollar matter.  For example, in Washington for every dollar invested in secondary CTE programs, taxpayers receive $9 in revenues and benefits.  Right now, the legislature is hearing HB 356, proposed by Billings Representative Donald Jones, which would provide funding state-wide.  Every district Montana that provides CTE education (over 150 districts) would receive proportionate funding.  That is a huge boost to students, communities and businesses across our state.  We have a golden opportunity to look beyond a particular class or school, beyond a political affiliation and beyond a particular city or town to do what’s right for communities and children state-wide.

Please contact me should you have any questions about CTE and how it can benefit our state as a whole.  If you see HR 356 as a good bill for Montana children, communities and businesses, please take a few moments to voice your opinion to the Montana House Appropriations Committee at the email addresses below.

This bill makes sense for Montana.  

House Appropriations Committee


Sincerely,
Terry Nelsen Bouck
Superintendent


     
Building Hand
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