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Pre-K proposal gets Hi-Line support

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has proposed a $37 million early childhood education program that would make half-day pre-kindergarten programs available to 4-year-olds.

Although Hi-Line educators and political leaders say they need more details, the plan seems to have some support.

Andy Carlson, the superintendent of Havre Public Schools, said that this proposal seems like a good idea, however more details need to be given by Bullock in order to determine if it would benefit the Hi-Line.

“Everyone starts at the same starting line ... the research supports early education,” Carlson said. “Kindergarten has become very academic.”

State Sen. Greg Jergesen, D-Havre, running for re-election in Senate District 14, said that Early Edge would benefit the Hi-Line. Like Carlson, Jergeson feels Bullock needs to release more details about this proposal.

“There are a number of children who struggle to be prepared,” Jergeson said. “I think the governor makes a compelling case.”

State Rep. Kris Hansen, the Republican opposing Jergeson, also said that Bullock has not given enough details on this proposal. “There is no indication of where that money would come from,” she said.

Hansen believes that this plan has a very strong likelihood of putting private pre-kindergarten schools out of business. “The funding mechanism does not seem adequate.”

Montana is one out of eight states without any state-funded preschool programs. Bullock is planning on asking lawmakers for the funding for Early Edge in November.

Bullock said he plans on making pre-K education a priority in the legislative session that starts in January.

"The budget is a reflection of our values as a state. It paints a picture of what we view as priorities," Bullock said in a news release. "By ensuring high-quality, early childhood education is available to every Montana four year-old, we'll demonstrate our commitment to the success and well-being of our youngest learners, and lays the foundation for economic prosperity for years to come."

 

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