Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has repeatedly expressed his desire to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education to cut costs, declaring it unnecessary. “We have a Department of Education, which I don’t think we need anymore,” Sheehy stated. “It should go away. That’ll save us $30 billion right there.” Although criticizing public education from elementary to college, his campaign rhetoric aligns more with Project 2025 than with specific plans for Montana.
In Billings, Sheehy explained his reasoning, claiming the department was initially created for school integration, which he argues is no longer needed. Montana’s Office of Public Instruction reports that about 150,000 children attend public school, with federal funding accounting for roughly 12% per student. Project 2025, a conservative blueprint, would drastically reduce education funding, potentially harming vulnerable students, according to the National Education Association.
Lance Melton from the Montana School Boards Association emphasized the importance of federal funding, highlighting its role in areas with low taxable values, such as Native American reservations. He noted that federal funds provide $40 million for students with disabilities, representing just 15% of the intended 40% support. “Fairly significant harm would be implemented in Montana’s public schools if we suddenly snapped our fingers and said, ‘No more federal funding of education,’” Melton remarked.
The race, gaining national attention, sees Sheehy challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Recent polls suggest Sheehy is leading. Sheehy’s campaign did not respond to requests for an interview about his public education plans. His website briefly mentions supporting parental involvement and promoting critical thinking over rote learning. Criticisms include accusations of a “woke social agenda” in schools.
Sheehy has criticized the Department of Education for promoting critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. He advocates for vocational training over traditional college education and suggests block grants to states as a cost-saving measure. The National Education Association warns that such grants could strain public school budgets. Sheehy believes federal involvement in education should be reduced, criticizing public schools for not aligning with his family’s values and religious beliefs.
Sheehy’s stance on higher education includes disparaging federal student aid, describing the system as producing “over-educated, unemployable nincompoops.” However, Montana State University and the University of Montana show low student loan default rates. Sheehy promotes vocational careers, arguing against degrees he deems unnecessary. Montana University System supports technical education, offering scholarships and partnerships, including one with Bridger Aerospace, co-founded by Sheehy.
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