Make children a top priority in Montana’s education funding

I am writing to you as a very concerned educator as well as Missoula community member and native Montanan. I have severe trepidation regarding the recent and proposed budget cuts within the Missoula County Public School district.

I am honored to be an educator. I come from a long line of educators. My grandmother, Louise Cross, and her nine siblings all earned teaching degrees and taught in communities throughout Montana. My great-grandparents were immigrants who instilled in their children the value of public education n this value has been passed down from generation to generation. Just last week, I attended the funeral of my great aunt, Ernestine Cameron Jarussi. Auntie Ernestine was an educator in Helena for over 44 years. She often told her nieces and nephews of one favorite student, “little Maxi Baucus.” She proudly spoke of him and how every student has the potential and opportunity to do great things because of a teacher’s work. My auntie inspired me and continually reminded me of the honor and integrity of educating the young minds of America.

By KEILA CROSS

Full Opinion: http://missoulian.com/articles/2008/05/13/opinion/guest/guest32.txt