When Trish Schreiber, a veteran educator, relocated to Montana, she found the state's education system falling short of its constitutional promise to "develop the full educational potential of each person." Faced with declining student performance and limited educational options, Schreiber joined forces with Americans for Prosperity (AFP) to advocate for educational reforms.
Schreiber was initially surprised by the absence of charter school legislation in Montana. The public school system lacked the fiscal accountability and high-performance standards characteristic of charter schools. Consequently, students and parents had limited choices: they could remain in their assigned schools, pay substantial fees for private schooling, or opt for homeschooling—an impractical option for many families.
Believing in the empowerment of students through diverse educational pathways, Schreiber co-founded Community Choice Schools Montana (CCSM) with four other advocates. Their goal was to establish a tuition-free private school and eventually push for legislative changes to permit charter schools.
CCSM delved into education policy, examining previous attempts at charter school legislation and identifying legal obstacles. Despite facing significant opposition from teacher unions and the Montana Federation of Public Employees, CCSM remained committed to drafting a bill that would expand educational opportunities.
Henry Kriegel, Legislative Director for AFP Montana, connected with Schreiber through the Montana Education Freedom Coalition (MEFC), which he initiated in January 2022. He recommended that Schreiber attend a Grassroots Leadership Academy training to enhance her community mobilization skills. This training marked the beginning of a robust partnership between CCSM and AFP.
AFP leveraged its coalition partners and network to support CCSM's efforts. They mobilized community members, delivered compelling testimonies, and engaged in strategic discussions with key lawmakers. With AFP's support, Schreiber's initial group expanded into a formidable force of over 500 activists, teachers, and parents.
In May 2023, their efforts culminated in success when the governor signed HB 562 into law, establishing a charter school system in Montana. This legislative victory aimed to place parents and students at the center of educational decision-making.
Individuals interested in community involvement are encouraged to contact Americans for Prosperity to join the movement.
