Sheila Hogan: It’s time for change at Montana Office of Public Instruction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 3, 2024

CONTACT
gaby@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT – In a new column, Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Sheila Hogan slams Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction (OPI) Elsie Arntzen for her failed leadership and disastrous tenure that’s impacted Montana kids, teachers, and administrators.

Hogan points out that under Arntzen’s leadership, teacher shortages are rampant and there’s confusion and disarray within school districts due to poorly executed administrative measures and lack of communication. Montana test scores show students are not proficient in math and reading, and even Republican lawmakers have called Arntzen out for not meeting her constitutional duties and implementing education-related laws designed to help students thrive.

Hogan notes the stakes could not be higher and it’s time to take OPI in a new direction:

“It is time for a change to elect a state superintendent who will actually fight for our kids. Shannon O’Brien actually cares about ensuring that our children get a quality education, and she has spent her career fighting for it. She will get teachers back in our classrooms and work hard every day to improve our public schools.

“In Montana, we put our kids first, and that is exactly what Shannon O’Brien will do every day as our next state superintendent of schools.”

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