Letter to the Editor - Why do legislators want to privatize schools?

Editor,

How can 57 Republican legislators support a bill to privatize schools in Montana, House Bill 329? They agree with this bill, requested by the Governor, who has a big stake in an exclusive private school, and would benefit from school privatization. Montana will become a regulatory nightmare if this bill passes, especially with regard to the education of our children.

This bill is likely unconstitutional. Which agency will regulate the giveaway to rich people who want to start their own school? With no regulation of these private schools, will students be served better by an organization that simply wants to make money off of kids, and are children going to continue to get the quality educational services that they deserve?

The fact is this bill will take $180 million out of the state’s public education budget, and that money will need to be cut from your local public school. In addition, can we trust the current superintendent of public instruction to regulate private schools, as she is a strong proponent of private schools while, ironically, in charge as the leader of public schools in the state?

Urge your legislative representatives vote against HB 329. Our children deserve good public schools.

Judy McKenna

Bozeman