[0:00] As I have had the privilege of serving [0:02] STMA for close to 12 years now in the [0:04] legislature, one of the strongest [0:06] aspects of the foundation of STMA is the [0:09] collaboration. It's working with [0:11] parents, working with students, working [0:14] with teachers, working with [0:16] superintendent, uh actually spanning [0:18] several superintendents now over the [0:20] years, all with the same goal, and that [0:23] is educational opportunities for [0:25] students. And it's been very frustrating [0:27] over the years that such an excellent [0:29] school district like STMA has lacked the [0:32] funding and that has come from the state [0:35] level. That lack of funding has [0:38] translated into diminished opportunities [0:41] for our students. Each of us have a a [0:44] strong sense of of pride in our school [0:47] districts, incredibly hardworking [0:49] teachers, incredibly hardworking staff, [0:51] making sure that our students are able [0:53] to succeed. [0:56] [Music]