Juneau: OPI is studying stimulus aid to schools

HELENA -Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau asked state lawmakers today for continued education funding and said the Office of Public Instruction would give recommendations on the federal stimulus package soon.

"Public education is the only specific institution that the legislative body has a constitutional duty to fund," Juneau said.

The superintendent acknowledged the constant struggle to adequately fund education and finding solutions that do not involve court decisions.

"We must develop a solution that will outlast all of our political lives and agendas," Juneau said.

Juneau said OPI is still working on understanding specific requirements laid out by the federal government in the stimulus package, and said appropriation recommendations would be available soon.

Juneau also stressed the importance of graduating from high school, especially in today's competitive workforce. She endorsed bills that would increase the compulsory school age from 16 to 17 and efforts to increase distance learning opportunities.

-by CNS correspondent Molly Priddy