Welcome back to school! Let's bring education back to basics this year

As Montana students, parents, and teachers begin a new school year, I share in their excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead of us. This week, I am welcoming families and educators back to the first day of school in Townsend. As I reflect on my nearly two decades of “first days” of school in Montana, I know that returning to school represents the beginning of a new year of opportunities for learning, socializing, athletics, and extra-curriculars activities.

Yet, as the school doors open, our families and educators face a host of challenges. Schools of every size are experiencing teache...