“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
This last Education Interim Budget Committee meeting highlighted two areas that directly impact students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers in Carbon County: school safety and federal education funding. Each of these areas will shape potential legislation ahead of the next session.
School Safety (HJ 53 Study Update)
The committee received a detailed update from the Montana Safe Schools Center on the HJ 53 school safety study that I sponsored. The goal is straightforward: identify best practices, evaluate current gaps, and recommend improvements that are practical for Montana’s rural schools.
Survey data from schools across the state shows significant gaps:
- Nearly half of schools have not conducted a comprehensive safety assessment in over three years or ever.
- 66% are not using standardized emergency operations plans (FEMA-based).
- 72% do not have a tip line, and many lack formal threat assessment teams.
- Coordination with local law enforcement and first responders is inconsistent, particularly in rural areas.
The top recommendations to the committee were:
- Establish a statewide school safety center/clearinghouse for training and support
- Require regular safety assessments and standardized emergency planning
- Implement a statewide anonymous tip line
- Strengthen threat assessment processes and training
- Provide funding flexibility for local security improvements
Federal K-12 Funding Outlook
The committee also received a federal funding update that has implications for school budgets:
- Federal education funding for FY2026 is essentially flat compared to prior years.
- There have been significant disruptions, including grant cancellations and reinstatements through litigation.
- Administrative changes are shifting some program management from the U.S. Department of Education to other federal agencies.
What this means locally:
- Schools should not expect major increases in federal funding
- Greater emphasis will be placed on state and local funding decisions
- Flexibility through federal waivers may provide opportunities but also uncertainty
For taxpayers, this reinforces the importance of sustainable, transparent state funding models. For school districts, it means planning conservatively and focusing on efficiency, which I’ve prioritized through legislation encouraging resource sharing and reducing administrative costs.
Connecting to Our Priorities
These discussions tie directly to my ongoing work:
- Improving school safety through practical, data-driven policy
- Supporting student success and addressing early literacy
- Ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, especially as federal support stabilizes rather than grows
As we move toward the next legislative session, these interim discussions will shape specific bills. My focus remains the same: strengthen outcomes for students, support our teachers, and protect taxpayers, especially in rural communities like ours.
If you would like to review more detailed materials or provide feedback, please reach out. Your input continues to shape these efforts.
Primary Election Debates
If you were not able to attend the first Official Carbon County Republican Central Committee Debate in Joliet on March 27th, you can watch the video of it on my Facebook page. I appreciate those who attended and the opportunity to answer all of your questions. You also have two additional opportunities to hear from me and ask questions:
- Second Official Carbon County Republican Debate at the Bridger Elementary School on April 16th at 7 pm
- Third Official Carbon County Republican Debate at the Red Lodge Elks Club on April 30th at 7 pm
My primary opponent, Mary Horman, who is backed by Americans for Prosperity, the Freedom Caucus, the Carbon County Freedom PAC, and the Carbon County Republican Women, did not attend the first debate. Her campaign has stated that she will not participate in the other two.
I believe voters deserve to hear from those seeking to represent them. I hope to see you all at these events and look forward to answering your questions. It is an honor to serve you.
Brad Barker
Representative
House District 55 (Carbon County)
brad@bradbarker.com
bradbarker.com
https://www.facebook.com/Representative.Barker
406-426-1034
