 Four of our state legislators were in Bemidji today for a tour of schools. Lakeland News reporter Sherell Moore tells us what the legislators took away from their visit. Our elected officials welcome to town early this morning with a concert from the Bemidji High School Orchestra and Choir. I liked it all. I was very impressed over at the high school. We get to see some very talented students with the concert. We've been working on this for some time and we worked through Senator Eichhorn's office and asked if we couldn't set this up on a day when school was in session. I was absolutely amazed at the quality of programming that was here and just the interest level from the students that we saw here today. One of my favorite pieces was the robotics program. Throughout the day, the legislators saw exactly what it was that made Bemidji area schools so great. From the extensive technology used in the high school, all the way down to the programs that are taught in the preschool classes. The legislators wanted to know what are we doing as far as science, technology, engineering and math. And in Bemidji we have made a huge commitment to STEM classes. Wonderful jobs out there for students to look at in the trades, in nursing, in law enforcement, in construction. All of that stuff. So that was one of the main highlights for me today. Today our elected officials walk through the halls of our high school, middle school and our preschools. Dr. Hess says his visits like these will help them know what exactly it is they're representing. It's essential for legislators to know what their schools are offering, what are some of the issues at their schools, what are some of the opportunities that their schools present. The senators and representatives also talked with students throughout the day and teachers who they gave high marks. For me it is one of the most important things is putting good teachers in front of our students. And some of the teachers that I've spoken to today have been successful at putting good teachers in front of our students. It's nice to get out and actually see and experience what our tax dollars are spending and being spent on versus just looking at a spreadsheet and talking to people. It's nice to get out and actually see what's happening with their money. Reporting of Bemidji, Shiramur, Lakeland News. Legislators say they plan to make frequent stops in Bemidji to help the town with future projects. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.