New federal administration gives Montana a fresh chance to lead in education

I want to begin by congratulating U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on her nomination by President Donald Trump to lead our nation’s long-overdue effort to reform education.

Secretary McMahon’s record as SBA administrator during President Trump’s first term, along with her private sector experience, brings a fresh perspective needed to overhaul the outdated federal education bureaucracy. Most importantly, President Trump and Secretary McMahon believe education should be driven by parents and local leaders — not federal bureaucrats. I look forward to working with them to reduce federal overreach and focus on students, their parents, and classroom teachers.

With that focus, we can improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Montana students. That’s why I was honored to stand with the president and secretary at the White House last week as he signed an executive order to begin eliminating the U.S.

Department of Education. The Montana Office of Public Instruction is ready to take the lead in administering federal funds at the state level and supporting our students, teachers, and schools. Montana has a voice at the table.

I’ve been proactive in reaching out to federal leadership to get the facts, offer input, and ensure our priorities are heard. Rather than sit back and spread fear, I’ve worked to shape what happens next. Many in the media and entrenched special interests have spent the year stoking fear and confusion among parents, teachers, and schools.

Let me be clear: President Trump is returning education tax dollars to Montana, where we understand our students’ needs far better than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. This new direction is an exciting opportunity for Montana to lead.

At OPI, we’re building capacity to deliver strong services to students, families and schools. I support reforms that put students and parents first, reduce red tape, and empower school leaders to focus on instruction and community engagement. We don’t need Washington telling us what’s best.

Montana will continue to lead with local control, parent empowerment, and common-sense solutions. While others seek headlines, I’m here to deliver results for students, parents and teachers. It’s time for the nation to follow Montana’s lead.

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