Letter to the Editor: Teacher urges vote for Romano

Editor

I’m a third-generation teacher who has taught a variety of science classes in our public schools for 25 years. Currently, I’m serving as president of the Great Falls Education Association, representing over 800 educators.

I’m also the mother of three incredibly productive young men, all products of the Great Falls Public Schools.

I passionately believe all children deserve a quality education that prepares them for a successful future, no matter what their parents’ income level; no matter where in Montana they live. This opportunity is what makes our democracy and our economy work.

Melissa Romano shares my belief. She knows public schools are not only the foundation of our democracy, but also the basis of strong communitieswithin our state. Melissa has the talent, energy and leadership necessary to guide Montana’s public schools forward making them even better than they currently are.

I also believe passionately that public funds should go to public schools. Melissa Romano shares that belief. She’ll fight efforts to divert public dollars to private, “for-profit” schools that have no accountability to taxpayers.

Melissa’s opponent, by contrast, has voted many times as a legislator to privatize our public schools.

With a lifetime of educational experience as a mother, educator and president of our local union, I know Melissa is the only good choice for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Melissa Romano has my steadfast support.

Shelli Lavinder Schwalk

Great Falls