In Shelby, MT, my family is facing an uphill battle just to ensure our children's right to education. Since the 2021-22 school year, my family has been forced to drive a staggering 128 miles each day to get our children to and from school. Despite the district's obligations, we've been denied transportation and any mileage reimbursement. This lack of support has left us financially strained and without a running vehicle, having gone through four cars in just over two years. With the school district still owing us over $25,000 and an additional $85 per school day, the burden is overwhelming.

It's not just about the mileage; it's about the future of our children. Without the necessary transportation or reimbursement, our daughter might be forced to drop out of high school. Shelby School District has a mandatory duty to provide eligible students with transportation if they budget for it and transport any students. This duty has not been met, despite our eligibility through the free lunch program that clearly highlights our financial need.

This issue is not just a personal struggle; it underscores a significant failure in the educational system aimed at serving all students equally. Shelby School District and its administration need to take immediate action to correct this. By rectifying their oversight, they will not only fulfill their legal obligations but also protect the educational futures of children like mine.

I urge the Shelby School District and their constituents to recognize this injustice and take immediate steps to reimburse the owed amount and provide us the necessary transportation. Please sign this petition to support our call for accountability and to ensure that no other family in our community faces such difficulties in accessing education for their children. Your signature can help influence a fair solution and restore our faith in our educational system.