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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2026
Contact: McKenna Gregg, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Superintendent Hedalen Issues Emergency Suspension of Hardin Teacher’s License; Calls for Stronger State Reporting
HELENA, Mont.—Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen has issued an emergency suspension of David Demar Larson’s Montana teaching license following multiple felony charges filed in Yellowstone County.
Superintendent Hedalen issued the following statement:
“The safety of Montana’s students is non-negotiable. When credible allegations of immoral or criminal conduct arise, my office will act swiftly and decisively to ensure that licensed educators who pose a risk are removed from our classrooms. There is no place in our schools for individuals accused of exploiting children, and I will not allow the actions of a few to undermine the trust families place in our educators every day.”
Superintendent Hedalen also emphasized that this case underscores the need for stronger and clearer reporting requirements when allegations involve licensed school employees. Montana Code Annotated § 20-4-110 requires school districts to report to OPI disciplinary action taken at the local level which may require state action against an educator’s license. While reports are not statutorily required in all instances, there is nothing preventing school districts from immediately reporting concerns regarding teacher conduct to OPI. The Superintendent is calling on local districts to make these reports to OPI as soon as possible for public safety.
“I look forward to working with legislators to strengthen Montana’s mandatory reporting laws and licensure violation reporting requirements so that cases are immediately flagged and nobody is able to slip through the cracks or gain access to another classroom.”
This is the second case of the year where Superintendent Hedalen has suspended an educator license due to criminal charges involving child victims, following the suspension of Cody Alan Davis’ license on January 8th.
Under Montana law, the Superintendent of Public Instruction has authority pursuant to MCA 2-4-631 to suspend an educator’s license in emergency situations when public health, safety, or welfare is at risk. “Superintendent Hedalen has also recommended that the Board of Public Education permanently revoke Larson’s teaching license under MCA 20-4-110.
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