Candidate for Governor Casey Schreiner stopped by October's GFEA FR meeting. Click on the Action Tab to see more.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2019 Organization Formed to Defend the Interests of Montana Students and Public Schools (MONTANA) - Today Representative Moffie Funk announced the formation of Montanans Organized for Education (MOFE) Action Fund. The organization’s primary purpose is to defend the interests of Montana students and the Montana Constitution by opposing school privatization in Big Sky Country. Specifically, MOFE is dedicated to
“Montana’s commitment to public education has always been strong. Unfortunately, special interests from both inside and outside Montana are pouring cash into our state in an attempt to privatize our schools. Why? Because they see our kids and our schools as commodities that should be sold off to the highest bidder,” said Representative Moffie Funk, Executive Director of MOFE. “It’s our intention to draw a line in the sand on this issue before Montana becomes like so many other states whose public schools have been scrapped and sold for parts.” In recent years, Montana has seen a surge in lobbying pressure from special interest groups touting so-called “school choice,” a term which masks a reckless agenda aimed at diverting public dollars to for-profit schools and institutions. In addition to Representative Moffie Funk, the MOFE’s Board of Directors includes Jack Copps, Retired Educator and Superintendent Lisa Cordingley, Helena Education Foundation Executive Director Amanda Curtis, Educator and former State Representative John Heenan, Attorney Jesse Laslovich, Attorney Jill Laslovich, Attorney Clara McRae, Student Dennis Parman, Montana Rural Education Association Executive Director Amanda Penley, Student Website: mofeactionfund.org Please direct all press inquiries to moffie@mofeactionfund.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2019 Montana Federation of Public Employees Endorses Romano for Superintendent of Schools (MONTANA) - The Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), whose membership includes over 12,500 K-12 professionals, has voted to endorse award-winning educator Melissa Romano for Superintendent of Public Instruction in the upcoming 2020 election. Eric Feaver, President of MFPE, released the following statement: Most Montanans are like Melissa Romano. They feel an intense commitment to our kids’ futures and their public schools. Unfortunately, our current Superintendent of Schools doesn’t seem to share those values. When an extremist Montana legislator introduced legislation that would have denied the right of every child to receive a quality education, Elsie Arntzen didn’t even show up for the hearing. When attempts were made to privatize the responsibilities of the Montana Board of Public Education, Arntzen was missing in action. When school privatization advocates stood on the steps of our capital during the last legislative session, Arntzen stood with them and made it clear that she supports public dollars going to private for-profit schools with little to no oversight. The list goes on and on, including failures on youth mental health, lead testing, public pre-k, and firearms in the classrooms. On the other hand, we have Melissa Romano who is an award-winning teacher and leader. She represents Montana values and has proven that she will work every day for every student and defend our state’s commitment to public education. The choice couldn’t be more clear. Melissa Romano has been a teacher for over 15 years and is a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the 2018 Montana Teacher of the Year. Romano’s expertise at both the local and national levels earned her a position as a Master Teacher with BetterLesson, an organization devoted to highlighting and sharing best teaching practices. Romano ran in 2016 for Superintendent of Public Instruction, losing by a narrow margin. “Since 2017, Montanans have seen the job our current Superintendent of Schools is doing and we have been left wanting,” said MFPE President Eric Feaver. “Parents, educators, and, most importantly, our kids are ready for a Superintendent who will take the job seriously and be a tireless advocate for public education. Without question, Romano is that person.” There is no session scheduled in Great Falls, but they will have one at this year's Educator Conference in Belgrade! Register now and book your hotel! October 17-18!  During the Montana State Fair this year, as fairgoers munched on Vikings, CowPie burgers, and Footlong Corn Dogs, GFPS educators (and GFEA members) were assisting students with an important job. Teachers Pat Volkmar, Jenn Volkmar, Roger Spring and Andrew Nagengast all worked with Middle School students at the Grizz Biz/Ram Enterprises booth at the fair. The students were selling hand crafted items. The student-run business concept Iin the middle school began at North, spearheaded by Pat Volkmar. This past year Pat brought the concept to East Middle School. Well done teachers and students!
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