Letter to the Editor: Supports governor's pre-K program

Editor:

I would never profess to know the ins and outs of politics, but I do know moms. I publish Mamalode Magazine (“America’s best parenting magazine” — Lisa Stone CEO of BlogHer — which is published in Missoula) and I know firsthand about the challenges facing mothers.

  When my sons were pre-school aged I was really struggling. I had some health issues and had to quit my job. We lived in our basement and rented out the rest of the house to make ends meet. With some help from grandparents and some scholarships we were able to send our kids to preschool but it was a big hit on us. Education was a priority, but also I needed the time to recover and eventually to start Mamalode. School is multi-beneficial with both long- and short-term impacts on the students and their parent.

  If there is one thing I am proud of, it is the childhood my children are having—our public school experiences are a cornerstone of this experience, as is the wonder of growing up in a state like Montana.

  I write today to support the universal Pre-K option and am looking forward to lending my voice on Jan 23, at the Capitol for the “Let Them Learn” event to encourage parents to be part of the discussion of what this initiative means for the state, their families and their kiddos.

Elke Govertsen

CEO Publisher/Mamalode

Missoula