In addition to public K-12 schools, OPIs accreditation division monitors educator preparation programs at Montana colleges and universities for compliance with state standards. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Senator Steve Daines, and working on numerous statewide campaigns. Our most precious resources, our children have been left behind. When you donate to Montana Free Press, you are helping build a newsroom that serves the people of Montana, not advertisers or special interests. Contact the General Information line at 406-444-2511 with any questions. in Political Science from MSU in 2012. You can also find an employee by name by going to the State of Montana Employee Directory at https://pubdir.mt.gov/. At the MORH/AHEC, she works as the Program Coordinator 2 0 obj Western Montana College provided an exceptional foundation to become an effective teacher. OPI has extended employment offers to candidates for five of those positions, Allen said, and four have accepted. Kailyn is a Montana State University alumna, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Indoor & Outdoor SMD Screens, LED Displays, Digital Signage & Video Wall Solutions in Pakistan He transitioned into freelance journalism following the Indy's abrupt shuttering in September 2018, writing in-depth features, breaking Community Health Support Network, the. << /Length 1093 /Filter /FlateDecode >> stream Rural Health Association Rural Health Fellow. Withroots in Harlem, Montana, she understands the struggles that many small communities She added that while individuals may have left the agency, she believes their knowledge has been passed on to remaining staff in their former divisions, which she noted she has renamed units.. MONTANA STATE GOVERNMENT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY. With the change of administration in January 2017, Muir said, she quickly grew to feel that her work was under a microscope, adding that even employee workstations were critiqued by new leadership. Josh currently operates as a workforce coordinator and assists in the Office She provides overall grant management for the Montana Office of Rural Health and oversees State of Montana Employee Directory Search Partial name searches are allowed. She looks forward to continuing to serve Montanas children and families at OPI. Oregon State University. All Montana phone numbers are preceded by the 406 area code. Exif II* ( 1 2 ; i X endstream OPI also attempted to recruit nationally and received only one resume, she added, saying the wage the agency is able to offer isnt competitive enough. Cindra works extensively on Healthcare Workforce issues, serving as facilitator for Community Health Support Network, the Community Health Worker Program, the Behavioral Health Training Program, and the Montana Family Support Program. The superintendents of Montana's AA schools, including Great Falls Public Schools, on Monday sent a letter of concern to Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, expressing. Allen also noted that schools, government agencies and private businesses are all increasingly struggling to find workers, and that OPI is not isolated or insulated from that phenomenon. Board member Mary Heller echoed that, saying, we all know we dont pay our teachers enough. After obtaining his bachelor's degree in journalism and history, Sakariassen spent nearly 10 years covering environmental issues and state and federal politics for the alternative newsweekly Missoula Independent. Former OPI staffers and leaders of Montana education associations told MTFP the result has been a significant loss of operational knowledge at the agency charged with overseeing public education across the state. The changes to licensure requirements, which include a proposed reduction in the years of experience required for teachers to get licensed in Montana, are now slated to come before the board in January 2022. Jan 14, 2022. Alex Sakariassen is a 2008 graduate of the University of Montana's School of Journalism, where he worked for four years at the Montana Kaimin student newspaper and cut his journalistic teeth as a paid news intern for the Choteau Acantha for two summers. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Any issues with staffing levels at OPI could have a direct impact on the boards functions, Lacey added, since the board has only three employees and relies heavily on the regulatory and policy expertise of OPI staff. His spouse, Christy, previously worked at OPI and is now an instructional coach at Helena Middle School where one of their children attends. Natalie, as the Assistant Director of the Montana Office of Rural Health, brings nearly Earlier this spring, Superintendent Arntzen submitted comments on USEDs Interim Final Requirements, which lay out the agencys implementation strategy for the relevant sections of the ARP Act that appropriated funding to our nations schools. Arntzens comments were the only from any state educational agency nationwide that proposed solutions to fix the challenges embedded in the Interim Final Requirements. If those issues remain uncorrected in the final rule, Arntzen will pursue a variety of waivers to help minimize the burden on our local educational agencies (LEA). These LEAs are required to produce two Federally mandated plans related to how they will spend their allocated dollars, and how they plan to bring students back to the classroom safely. However, the Federal rule does not mandate that an LEA adopt the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance, but only requires that the LEA describe in its plan the extent to which it has adopted the key prevention and mitigation strategies identified in the guidance. Many schools in Montana were open throughout all or much of the 2020-2021 school year, and have already returned students to school safely, Arntzen noted. They should be afforded the opportunity to focus on other matters, and have a waiver instated for the requirement to update the plan every six months, with stakeholder input, until September 30, 2023. Montanas State Plan received support from U.S. During his public comment before the board Wednesday, Parman put the vacancy issue into context, explaining that members of Montanas public education system have experienced increasing difficulty getting timely responses from the agency. at the office including task force work, health equity training, and the Health Equity MISSOULA Montanas Board of Public Education was briefed about staff vacancies and recruitment challenges by Office of Public Instruction Deputy Superintendent Sharyl Allen Thursday. Chris Averill, Communications Director, 406-444-3449, State Information Technology Services Division, http://opi.mt.gov/COVID-19-Information/ESSER. contact information for Montana OPI Employees; OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION . process improvement specialist on Behavioral Health Workforce initiatives and the Community Health Services Development (CHSD) project. The Montana Board of Public Education (BPE) at their Nov. 17 meeting rejected a proposal by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to strike student-to-staff ratios for counselors, librarians and . directory information for just a single county, we strongly recommend going here for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Montana's independent nonprofit news source. Box 202501, Helena, MT 59620-2501. Brian grew up in Butte and Helena and received his B.A. Manager and Data Analyst at New Mexico Donor Services, the organ procurement organization Among high school juniors, McGrath added, 86.5% completed the ACT in 2021, with a statewide math proficiency rate of 27% and a statewide English language proficiency rate of 45%. Sign it in a few clicks Draw your signature, type it, upload its image, or use your mobile device as a signature pad. Share your form with others Send it via email, link, or fax. With 38-years in public education, she has previously served as the Transformational Learning and Montana Advanced Opportunities program managerand since April 2020 as the Deputy Superintendent. Thank you for supporting Montana Free Press and being a part of our community. She received her B.A. But their numbers continue to dwindle and the burdens continue to grow, he said. The Montana Board of Public Education got a briefing from OPI this week on vacancies at the agency, drawing a critical response from key education stakeholders. NOSORH Emerging Leader Award in 2011. President for the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), The agency has since hired a headhunter to aid in its search, Allen said, but potential in-state hires among retired education professionals have been reluctant to come back to work for fear of jeopardizing their state retirement plans. The course can be found on the OPI's Teacher Learning Hub.The training is designed to educate participants on the basics . You can help. Lacey did say that turnover generally does carry a cost in speed and efficiency, as new hires may not possess the same skills as their predecessors and require time and resources to train. Rob Stutz, Chief Legal Counsel, comes to OPI with legal experience in state and federal government, in private practice, and with a non-profit. was a National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Rural Health Fellow, and received the That provision was the foundation of the Montana Supreme Courts. face with access to quality healthcare. He has worked as a staff member for the majority in the Montana State Senate and on campaigns in Texas and Montana. Kailyn serves But, you know, were all getting older and I think that thats a piece of it there are definitely some retirements there as well.. Cindra has an That makes for a total of 202 positions at OPI. An Oct. 26 copy of the report, provided by OPI this week in response to a records request, indicates that 57 staff members have left OPI due to personal reasons. Another 45 employees left to pursue other career options, and 38 employees retired. Natalie currently serves asPresident for the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), Special education is a particularly complicated area, Lacey explained, as its governed by numerous state and federal regulations and fraught with potential litigation. There was disagreement on where . endobj endobj Josh has previous public We rely on your donations to remain free and independent. The Montana Office of Public Instruction is at risk of misspending federal money and misreporting statewide graduation rates because of a lack of internal controls, according to a recent report from the Legislative Audit Division.. Assistant Director/Behavioral Health Workforce beth.carter@montana.edu(406) 925-1261. Second String Orchestra. of Rural Healths Community Health Service Development. Get your insiders look into what's happening in and around the Capitol. No name calling. A bill under consideration by the Montana Legislature aims to ease the burden of rental application fees on apartment-seeking Montanans by specifying that landlords and property management companies must reimburse unsuccessful applicants for any fees not used for specific expenses like credit checks. 15 years experience and working knowledge of rural health issues and has worked closely roots in Harlem, Montana, she understands the struggles that many small communities Muir left OPI on Sept. 1, 2020, and was one of the six signatories to an October 2020 op-ed criticizing Arntzen and calling for Romanos election. After the boards meeting on Wednesday, Arntzen told MTFP that OPI has recently filled a vacancy in its director of American Indian student achievement position, and had filled a new American Indian cultural and language immersion specialist position created by the Legislature this year. The Montana Office of Public Instruction. More by Alex Sakariassen. In previous rounds, Montana received more than $41,000,000 (ESSER I) and $170,000,000 (ESSER II). Through the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS), the state also received nearly $20 million for home and private schools. Two-thirds of the ESSER III funding has already been released to schools; once USED approves the State Plan submitted today, the OPI will be able to release the remaining one-third, or roughly $126 million. Georgetown Universitys Urban Educational Leadership certificate was completed in 2015. Project Coordinator/Hospital & Community Outreachsara.bell1@montana.edu406-994-6986Room 301 Culbertson Hall. Project Coordinatorgracebehrens@montana.edu406-994-6043Room 305 Culbertson Hall. It was here that she was immersed and fell in love Josh grew up in Helena, MT and is a Montana State University alumnus. Taking care of the financial activity of Educational Leadership Faculty Dr. Tena Versland, Program Leader 406-994-6799 Email: tena.versland@montana.edu Dr. Bill Ruff 406-994-4182 Email: wruff@montana.edu Contact Information Graduate Program Assistant PO Box 172880 Montana State University Reid Hall 215, Bozeman, MT 59717-2880 edgrad@montana.edu Regarding concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, Arntzen said education has changed over the past decade. once; then start all over again. In his free time, Josh enjoys She has also worked in health policy at the New Mexico Health Policy The Montana Office of Public Instruction, Denise Juneau, Superintendent P.O. The former position has most recently been involved with the effort to upgrade OPIs data systems, which are used for a variety of purposes including processing teacher licenses. ' Adobe Photoshop CC (Macintosh) 2018:04:03 09:09:39 Jupiterimages Getty Images 0221 @ ( H H Adobe_CM Adobe d Montana Federation of Public Employees President Amanda Curtis described the continuing months-long vacancy in OPIs director of special education position as worrisome, adding that the special education division is a particularly important place for the agency to be stacked up. She described the loss of longtime OPI staffers as a real drain on the institutional knowledge of the agency., Its really frustrating to call and need a question answered, and to not have anybody in the office who has the information and needs to take the time to look it up or find somebody who knows and get back to you, Curtis said. Rachel grew up in a rural community in Washington State. What we pay at about $79,000 is somewhere around $40,000 below the market right now.. Sign up for theCapitolizednewsletter and stay up-to-date on the latest legislative developments during the session. During Juneaus tenure, Muir said, her division and others at OPI operated with a high degree of autonomy, with leadership displaying an air of faith and trust in the experience of division heads and offering encouragement and support. xW[o6~pvuK" f`C@1/D*d!%;ef)Qw.$_7C(QWI(tW&py! Project Coordinatornatalee.wheeler@montana.edu406-994-6858Room 309 Culbertson Hall. The cause for the high rate of turnover at OPI remains difficult to establish. In her free time, Kailyn enjoys spending a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Creighton University. Asked about Parmans statements, Arntzen said she couldnt offer a response since hed delivered them before she arrived at the meeting. News apps are nice, but how many stories might you be missing? kVdF#fX1W\9:F?*Jf2]cMmhR@k0|X3X$u*y},7GM n Emmy5Ye!:mZ_ul;G/5xd. According to Allens report, 24.49 full-time-equivalent (FTE) positions will be vacant at OPI as of Nov. 21. After living in the Bitterroot for 20+ years, Tara moved to Helena for the 2019 Legislative session to work for the Montana State Senate. Theres a new Congress and new federal education law, she said, referencing the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, as well as new regulations and flexibilities adopted by the Montana Legislature and the Board of Public Education. Natalie, as the Assistant Director of the Montana Office of Rural Health, brings nearly Montana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting %PDF-1.3 She is committed to learning, growth, and willingness to thrive within her career. Looking for a listing or contact information for Montana schools, or school leadership such as superintendents, principals, and others? of Washington. Never miss Montanas biggest stories and breaking news. A support document for our Montana policymakers and leaders, Happy New Year from Superintendent Arntzen. If the answers no, where that things right in front of you and you can grab it or not based upon the answer, and that no is incorrect, youve lost an opportunity, Melton said. Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is proud to serve our Montana families, students, and teachers. All Montana phone numbers are preceded by area code 406. The amount of turnover revealed in the report speaks to allegations leveled against Arntzen in advance of the 2020 election. Never miss Montanas biggest stories and breaking news. 0. She has worked at the intersection of rural and health equity for We rely on your donations to remain free and independent. "I oL9IbXfYR[U[H{x>_/%'IzIK0>Du F qby#l+ Hb> e$cu$ with her golden retriever, fly fishing, traveling, and spending time at her family Montana Schools Directory; Office of the Superintendent; OPI Secure Portal; School Innovation, Flexibility & Efficiency; School Nutrition; IT Resources for Schools - Programs & Grants; OPI Communication. A native of rural Nebraska; her hobbies Madalyn Quinlan worked at OPI for 27 years and served as chief of staff to three state superintendents prior to her appointment to the Board of Public Education in 2019. Please reload the page and try again. Thats what that report shares with me. Allen told the board the agency has a total of 202 positions, including 154 full-time positions funded by the Legislature through House Bill 2. endobj is to manage the numerous grants and contracts that flow through the office and serve stream While were working on recruitment and face many challenges with that, we need to focus equally on retention so were not losing these people, Hedalen said. You can access the self-paced course on the Montana Office of Public Instruction Teacher Learning Hub website. Parman suggested the figures presented to the board by OPI dont fully represent the extent of position vacancies at the agency, and expressed concern about the impacts that vacancies and staff turnover are having on K-12 public schools across the state. Muir eventually worked her way up to accreditation program director, overseeing an accreditation staff of two. Support news by Montanans for Montanans. Its the understanding of MPEC members, Parman told the board, that 51 OPI positions were vacant as of last week. Health and Human Performance and a Master of Health Administration. Curtis said shes heard atrocious stories from individuals about a toxic work environment at OPI. Kirk Miller, executive director of the School Administrators of Montana, said he's noticed "significant turnover" in staffing at OPI's licensing division, which is charged with ensuring that. both winter and summer outdoor activities. Two former OPI employees interviewed by MTFP cited Superintendent Elsie Arntzens management style as their primary reason for accelerating their retirement plans, describing an atmosphere of intrusive behavior, condescension and lack of understanding of agency operations. on Montanas statewide Nursing Action Coalition, is the Immediate Past President of Jenna currently serves on her local school board. The Montana Democratic Party submitted a request for public records related to staff turnover in May and, according to MDP Executive Director Sandi Luckey, was assessed a fee of $10,000. She is currently working on her Doctorate When you donate to Montana Free Press, you are helping build a newsroom that serves the people of Montana, not advertisers or special interests. 444-3680 . Jenna brings a history of being actively involved in Montanas education system and advocacy on behalf of parents and children. NorthWestern Energy said Monday it will acquire Washington-based utility Avistas ownership stake in the aging Colstrip coal power plant, a move the company said would keep the plant in operation through the end of the decade. Support news by Montanans for Montanans. 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