Speech
Education Leadership Forum
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
Bozeman, MT
9/24/2002
Thank you so much for inviting me to this important event. We must continue to stress the link between effective school leaders and student achievement. I commend you for realizing this need and joining us here today.
I would like to specifically thank a few key individuals. First, Dr. Kirk Miller, the entire Board of Public Education and the staff. You continue to prove that you are a reliable voice and an advocate for children. Thank you for sponsoring this event.
Also, thanks to Joanne Erickson and the State Action Project planning consortium. This group represents a wide variety of interests that have worked tirelessly to make this event a reality. Thank you.
Education is a top priority of my administration. During these difficult budget times, I have asked Lt. Governor Karl Ohs to lead the discussions. He has met with and heard the about the concerns of the various members of Montana’s education community.
He has meet with representatives from MEA-MFT, Montana School Boards, School Administrators, Montana Quality Education Coalition, Montana Rural Education Association, the Board of Public Education and both of us have visited with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and staff.
We are working from our end to address education issues, but we need help of school leaders. As we look for creative, innovative ways to fund our education system, I thank all educational leaders for the role in they play in providing hope in our school districts.
That is why I am so excited to be here. The State Action for Education Leadership Project’s goal is to develop policy and practices that focus on education leadership to improve student learning.
This is a goal that must be achieved. Without it our students will surely suffer.
Educating a child truly is a team effort. The parents, teachers, community and peers each have a significant role to play in the development of a child. A school leader has the ability to bring those groups together for the benefit of a child.
As a liaison from the school to the community, and the community to the staff and students, school leaders put the pieces in place to ensure an effective education.
That is why this roundtable is so important. By focusing on a renewal of school leadership, Montana’s children stand to gain. In the long term that means Montana becomes stronger.
When school leaders provide support to the staff and students and work to create a healthy learning environment- students are rewarded, parents are revitalized, and teachers are respected. The entire community becomes involved in the school.
Oftentimes in our communities, educational leadership is questioned. Together, we must work to end the second-guessing. This conference is the first step in making sure that Montanans realize the importance of school leaders.
We all have known for a long time that a good school leader is crucial to a successful school. I am happy to know that that message is going to get out.
As more schools lose enrollment and towns dwindle in population there will be a shortage of educational leaders. We must work to ensure that every school has a great leader. So much depends on it.
Thank you so much for inviting me. I look forward to working with you on this important issue.
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