By Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe
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Montana parents know their children better than anyone else. They understand their strengths, their challenges, and how they learn best. That’s why it’s time to shift the conversation about education in Montana from one driven by fear to one focused on freedom—freedom for families to choose the educational path that fits their children’s needs.
Opponents of educational choice often rely on worst-case scenarios and misleading claims, suggesting that giving parents more options will somehow dismantle our public schools. But let’s be clear: school choice is not a threat—it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to empower families, foster innovation, and ensure that education works for every child, not just those who happen to thrive in traditional settings.
Montana’s education system isn’t failing because parents have too many choices; it struggles when we limit options and expect one approach to fit all. In a state as vast and diverse as ours, with rural communities facing unique challenges, we should be expanding opportunities, not restricting them. Educational choice offers solutions—whether through charter schools, education savings accounts, or flexible learning programs—that adapt to the needs of both students and communities.
Critics argue that choice diverts resources from public schools, but the reality is more nuanced. When families have options, schools are encouraged to innovate, improve, and focus on what matters most: student success. This isn’t about competition for the sake of competition—it’s about accountability and excellence across the board.
Montana families deserve an education system that reflects their values, respects their choices, and puts students—not systems—at the center. Let’s move beyond the fear-driven narratives and embrace a future where every parent has the freedom to choose the best for their child. That’s the kind of Montana I’m proud to fight for.
