Molly Haagenson

Grand Forks

I am writing to urge Governor Kelly Armstrong to veto HB 1540, which would send public dollars to private schools. Over the past few months, I have grown increasingly frustrated with our state legislature for pushing bills (at one point, there were six!) that would benefit only a small minority of North Dakotans at the expense of our public education system. As a child of a lifelong educator, the lack of support for public education by our state legislature is extremely disappointing.

Let me be clear: the issue isn’t private schools. I’ve been a Christian my whole life and have served at a church in Grand Forks for several years, as well as numerous summers at a bible camp and as a leader in campus ministry. I believe faith education is a meaningful part of a child’s development and their sense of community. But I also believe that parents who choose to spend thousands of dollars on private or religious schooling should not have that choice subsidized by North Dakota taxpayers.

Once the state sets aside tens of millions of public dollars for private schools, the cost will only grow. That means fewer resources for public schools, even though more than 90% of North Dakota’s students are educated at public schools. Does anyone really believe it’s wise to reduce funding for the system that serves the vast majority of our children?

I’m hopeful the governor will do the right thing. For the sake of all North Dakota students, please protect our public schools.