Office of the Superintendent

April 2, 2018

Hello Montana parents, students, educators, and community members,

Here are the latest updates in Montana education:

Federal Spending Bill:

President Trump signed an omnibus spending bill on March 23rd that funds the federal government through the remainder of the 2018 fiscal year. This bill includes $70.9 billion for education which is a $3.9 billion increase over last fiscal year. It includes a $300 million increase for Title I, level funding for Title II, and a $700 million increase for Title IV-A. Funding for the STOP Act was also included.

 School Safety

After conversations with many education partners across the state, the OPI will initiate a negotiated rulemaking committee to clarify MCA 20-2-401. More information will be coming soon. The OPI’s Health and Safety Division has updated our web resources for school safety.

ESSA

Schools have been notified if they fall under the designation for comprehensive or targeted support under ESSA. The OPI will begin supporting these schools in developing a needs assessment, gap analysis, and improvement plan. More information can be found here.

Teacher of the Year

Nominations and applications for the 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year are open! Please help spread the word and nominate a deserving teacher. More info can be on the OPI’s website.

March Events:

  • 2018 Legislative Conference of the Council of Chief State School Officers
  • Board of Regents meeting at the University of Montana Western
  • Meeting with the Montana Chamber of Commerce to discuss youth entrepreneurship
  • Meeting with Education Superhighway to discuss rural school broadband
  • Jobs for Montana’s Graduates banquet in Dillon
  • Meeting with leaders from the Education Commission of the States
  • Land Board monthly meeting
  • Monthly meeting of statewide education groups
  • Montana Association of School Superintendents conference
  • Meeting with the Montana School Resource Officers Association to discuss school safety
  • Montana Hope presentation with Jason DeShaw at Hamilton High School
  • Annual Title I Conference in Helena

 

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