Article Summary –
Montana lawmakers have criticised state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen’s refusal to attend a legislative committee meeting about new education laws. Arntzen was accused of not meeting her constitutional obligation, and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) was criticised for delayed implementation of new laws and poor communication with school districts and educators. Arntzen, who claimed she was being politically persecuted, disagreed with the interpretation of several 2023 legislative bills, causing further conflict.
Montana Lawmakers Express Displeasure at State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen
On Wednesday, Montana lawmakers aired their disappointment with State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen’s reluctance to appear before a legislative committee. The committee is looking to resolve conflicts over the implementation of new education laws passed recently. The criticisms stem from allegations of inefficiencies and delays within the Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The situation has largely affected Montana’s school children, according to the committee.
State Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, who is the committee’s chair and primary author of the letter to Arntzen, expressed his view that Arntzen had “failed to meet her constitutional obligation” as the head of Montana’s K-12 public school system.
Arntzen responded to the committee’s vote to send the letter, accusing them of political persecution. She expressed her commitment to conservative principles, fighting against bureaucracy, and promoting good governance in her statement.
Criticisms of OPI under Arntzen’s Leadership
The criticisms levied against Arntzen’s leadership include delays in implementing new education laws and insufficient communication with school districts and educators. For instance, Bonner School District Superintendent Jim Howard told lawmakers that the OPI did not adequately notify his staff of a deadline change for a program incentivizing raises for starting teachers. This miscommunication cost the district more than $18,000 in state funding.
The tension between the OPI and lawmakers extended to the OPI’s handling of new laws addressing early childhood literacy, public charter schools, out-of-district student enrollment, and reporting requirements for instruction on Indigenous culture.
Disputes Over Implementation of Legislation
A notable disagreement centered on House Bill 352, which provides state funding for local programs to strengthen reading and language comprehension for children through third grade. The OPI, however, maintains that the bill’s effective date prevents funding for any activity before July 1, 2024. This interpretation was strongly criticized by school officials and lawmakers.
Other disputes arose around House Bill 203, altering per-pupil funding flows for out-of-district students, and House Bill 338, applying new reporting mandates on districts for their use of state Indian Education for All funding. The OPI and lawmakers disagreed on who is responsible for enforcing these laws.
Criticisms Continue Over Student Data Modernization Efforts
Lawmakers also grilled the OPI over its efforts to modernize the collection and sharing of student data. The 2021 Legislature had earmarked about $13.4 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for the OPI to upgrade data systems. However, concerns about the pace of progress on this project and the OPI’s temporary loss of procurement authority prompted additional legislative oversight.
Despite the growing tension, a potential resolution has been identified through decisions made by the Education and Workforce Data Governing Board. However, lawmakers remain concerned with the OPI’s handling of Montana’s more than 800 public schools and its resistance to changes in the wake of the 2023 legislative session.
The committee ultimately decided to send Arntzen a letter expressing their disappointment. While some members acknowledged the hard work being done at the OPI, others expressed a loss of confidence in the agency’s ability to implement beneficial policies.
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