HELENA, Mont. – During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte today highlighted proposals to bring greater innovation to education and build a stronger workforce.

“We all want Montana students to receive a high-quality education that prepares them well for the future,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Each student is unique and should have access to the best education possible that meets his or her individual needs. Student success, and Montana’s future, depend on classroom innovation, individualized learning, and work-based learning.”

Gov. Gianforte discusses innovative education bills moving through the legislature

Promoting trades education and increasing access to individualized, work-based learning opportunities to develop a stronger Montana workforce is a top priority for Governor Gianforte.

In 2021, the governor authorized every school district in the state to establish individualized, work-based learning paths for students.

“Individualized, work-based learning pathways help our kids and grandkids get the experience they need to build the foundation for a good-paying career, reach their full potential, and achieve the American Dream,” Gov. Gianforte continued. “I’m encouraged more schools are offering these innovative programs, but there’s still work to do.”

The governor called for the passage of HB 257 sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, which provides $4 million annually to allow schools to expand access to advanced opportunity programs.

“Expanding access to advanced opportunity programs is a win for students, families, and educators. With it, we’ll open the doors to greater opportunity for our kids, regardless of the next path they choose,” Gov. Gianforte said, while celebrating the bill’s progress through the legislature. HB 257 passed the House 87-10 in late February and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate today.

The governor also touted reforms to the Montana Digital Academy and progress of the Individualized Education Act, which passed third reading in House yesterday.

“Taken together, these reforms will give students and parents maximum flexibility for the courses they want to take whether within the district, through the Digital Academy, or on a jobsite for work-based learning,” the governor continued.

Gov. Gianforte also noted work to build a highly skilled, highly qualified workforce, including increasing access to apprenticeships and nearly doubling the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) in HB 245, carried by Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, to build the skills of hardworking Montanans.

Emphasizing the need for more skilled workers and infrastructure to ramp up housing capacity, the governor spoke on the importance of the Home Ownership Means Economic Security (HOMES) program, carried in legislation by Rep. Mike Hopkins, R-Missoula.

“We want to encourage smart, denser housing development using incentives and an innovative, market-based approach. As a businessman who has created jobs, I know this approach works best. We’ll keep working to get the HOMES program across the finish line so we can get more Montanans into an affordable home of their own,” the governor said.

The governor’s press conference may be viewed here.