Montana Governor Schweitzer Says Education is the key to Economic Vitality – Early Education Matters

At a news conference today at the Capitol, Governor Brian
Schweitzer emphasized the importance of education for life, saying,
"Education is at the heart of strengthening the future for Montana
families and their economic vitality."

The news conference was held just hours before the kickoff event for the
Governor’s School Readiness Summit. In addition to the summit this week,
the Governor along with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
will host an Early Childhood Business Summit to partner government,
business, and philanthropy in Montana to better understand the economic
value to early childhood and care this October in Missoula.

"Education matters, especially for our youngest Montanans," said
Governor Schweitzer. "As the father of three teenagers — Nancy and I
fondly recall the early years and remember how eager our own children
were to learn. Parents are the first and most important teacher."

The Governor said he would like to see ideas emerge from the summit that
honor the diversity in Montana communities for creating an early
childhood agenda. "Our shared goal is to make sure that all kids in
Montana can succeed in school and grow up to be healthy, competent adult
citizens," he said.

The Governor believes:

* Education is the great equalizer.

* Investment in early childhood makes good economic sense.

* It is essential that kids are ready for school and that schools
are ready for children.

* Full time kindergarten is important. It helps all kids become
successful students, especially at-risk children. Kindergarten
opens the door for all children to get ready for college and know they
can succeed.

* College access and affordability is critical to insuring all
Montana kids can achieve the dream of a college education.

* We have to build our education system to fulfill the hopes and
dreams of all children, their parents and grandparents.

Starting tonight in Helena, 14 community and tribal teams and a state
government team will work together on how best to support young children
and families so that child development is maximized, professionals work
more effectively together and families are better served.