Experts in education and government will be on hand for May 2 forum.
By Ron VandenBoom
How will Montana's educational system weather the next two years? Will Havre and the Hi-Line see cuts in the number of teachers and programs? Are school systems underfunded or overfunded? Is closure or consolidation of public schools a real possibility in light of declining enrollments and limited financial resources? Can students afford to attend MSU-Northern and will utility costs force additional cutbacks?
These and many more questions are expected to be answered at the Havre Daily News Round Table Forum on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in the Community Conference Room in the Holiday Village Shopping Center.
The Forum will examine the current state of public education in the aftermath of the 57th Legislative Session. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Confirmed to participate in the discussion on behalf of education will be Ellis Roberts Tarry, superintendent of Blue Sky Public Schools, Jim Palmer, Superintendent of K.G. Public Schools, Paul Preeshl, superintendent of Box Elder Public School, Jay Eslick, superintendent of Chinook Public Schools, Bill Edwards, superintendent of Big Sandy Public Schools, Kirk Miller, superintendent of Havre Public Schools, and Alex Capdeville, chancellor of MSU-Northern.
Confirmed to participate on behalf of the 57th Legislature are Sens. Jon Tester, D-Big Sandy, and Greg Jergeson, D-Chinook, and Reps. Merlin Wolery, R-Rudyard, and John Musgrove, D-Havre.
"The round table is designed to give the public a chance to learn how our local educational institutions will be impacted by the current level of funding appropriated by the 57th Legislature this session," said Harvey Brock, publisher of the Havre Daily News. The round table will give the public an opportunity to ask questions of school superintendents, the chancellor of MSU-Northern, and of the legislators."
Each legislator will be given a brief opportunity to present their view on how the legislature met, or didn't meet, the needs of educational institutions in Montana. Following the legislative view, area educator's will give a brief explanation of their concerns, or lack of concerns, regarding districts or institutions. The public will then be allowed to ask questions.
"We are hoping for a good turnout," Brock said. "This will be an exceptional opportunity for the public to get a first-hand overview of the state of education in our area."
