May 2026

As we head into a new month, here's a look back at key news and information from April and important items to know in May.

Dear Colleagues,

This week, I had the opportunity to travel to Bozeman for the State Workforce Innovation Board and Perkins State Planning Committee meetings where we held collaborative stakeholder sessions on growing career and technical education opportunities. From there, I went to Billings Public Schools with Assistant Secretary of Education David Barker as part of a nationwide tour. The Department is conducting a 50-state “History Rocks” tour in honor of the 250th anniversary of our country. The goal of this initiative is to highlight the importance of history and civics education, celebrate the stories that have shaped our nation, and engage students and educators in meaningful conversations about our shared past and future.

The OPI staff hosted the annual RISE (Resilience in Something Else) Tribal Education Summit for students in Bozeman this week! Over 150 students from 18 different schools attended the conference to collaborate on leadership, meet with Knowledge Keepers, play traditional games and come together to discuss resiliency and student wellness for tribal students. They even hosted a bison harvest! Thank you to the OPI IEFA & TSAR staff for hosting such an important event for tribal students from across the state

Over the past month, I have had several valuable opportunities to engage with educators, students, and partners across the state and at the national level.

Earlier this month, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Annual Legislative Conference. This was a meaningful opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the country, meet with members of our federal delegation, and share Montana’s priorities.

At the beginning of the month, we also held a productive meeting of the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education (MACIE). The Board received updates from the IEFA and Tribal Student Achievement units at OPI. I want to thank the Board members and our team for their continued dedication to advancing tribal education and supporting positive student experiences. If you are interested in attending a MACIE meeting as part of meaningful tribal consultation, please contact Tyler Capece at tyler.capece@mt.gov for more information. The next MACIE meeting will be held on May 6th. 

Throughout the month, we engaged in important conversations about school funding during the School Funding Interim Committee meeting. This provided a valuable opportunity to connect with lawmakers, share perspectives, and continue working toward effective and sustainable funding solutions. Recordings of the meetings are available at https://www.legmt.gov/.

I had the opportunity to travel to Deer Lodge to visit the state prison, where we participated in a thoughtful discussion focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE), and other key issues impacting adult education programs. The conversation highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in strengthening educator pathways and expanding meaningful learning options for incarcerated adults ages 18–22.

In addition, I had the honor of recognizing several schools that are doing exceptional work in supporting military-connected students. These schools serve as strong examples of how intentional practices, community connections, and student-centered approaches can make a meaningful difference for military families.

I also attended the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) Conference, which was an incredibly valuable experience. The conference emphasized the importance of strong student relationships, using real-time data to support academic success, and creating school environments where every student is known and supported. I came away with practical strategies that can help improve outcomes for students across our state.

Finally, I traveled to Great Falls to attend the SkillsUSA conference. It was inspiring to see students actively demonstrating their technical skills, leadership, and professionalism. Events like this highlight the importance of career and technical education and the many pathways students are pursuing as they prepare for their futures.

As a reminder, May 1 is the deadline for applications for the Seal of Civics Literacy. Please share this information with your teachers and encourage eligible students to apply.

https://opi.mt.gov/Home/Seal-of-Civics-Literacy

Best regards,

Superintendent Hedalen

Future Ready Feedback

The OPI, MUS, and DLI want your feedback on implementation of the Future Ready incentive program! Please share your thoughts in the below survey:

MT Future Ready Feedback

Missing Children Database

https://app.doj.mt.gov/apps/missingPersonDatabase/search/

OPI Openings 

OPI JOBS

Summer Institute

Registration is now open for the OPI Summer Institute June 15-18, 2026 at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.  Registration for this premiere educational event is only $69 which includes four full days of professional learning from Montana’s educational leaders and national experts.

This year’s event features keynotes from Dr. Jason Neiffer on Artificial Intelligence on Monday, June 15.  Tuesday, June 16 will feature the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Susie Hedalen and Education Commission of the States President José Muñoz.  On Wednesday, Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan will share on how to grow Well-Being in Teachers and in Schools. Thursday’s keynote will be announced soon!

OPI SI 2026 features sessions and tracks specific to administrators, special education, early childhood, K-12 sessions by grade band: elementary/middle school/high school, mental health and school safety, ELA and mathematics instructional strategies, assessment, utilizing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Indian Education for All, Career Technical Education across K-12 settings, and more.  Tuesday afternoon features a Best Practices Expo with many free resources from statewide partners and educational serving non-profit organizations.

More information on OPI SI 2026 include the full schedule and registration options is available at https://opi.mt.gov/Summer-Institute. 

For more information, please contact Tammy Lysons, tamara.lysons@mt.gov or 406-431-2309.

Montana OPI Partnership: Level All Access

As we approach graduation season, the Montana OPI wants to ensure your graduating seniors have every advantage as they transition to college, the military, or the workforce.

Through our statewide partnership [businesswire.com] with Level All [levelall.com], every student in your district is entitled to free, lifelong access to a professional digital toolkit. While many of your staff have already engaged with the platform, we want to encourage a specific Spring Sprint, focused on your Class of 2026.

The Zero-Lift Spring Approach: We’re encouraging districts to focus on a light-touch Level All implementation for seniors now. This ensures they secure their free accounts before graduation. You can then look toward a formal district-wide strategy for the Fall 2026-27 academic year with the Level All team later on.

How to get your Seniors started: The Level All team is hosting brief Senior Hand-off sessions throughout the spring, to help your staff spin up access in minutes. Please encourage your High School Principals or Lead Counselors to take one of the following steps:

1. Join a 30-minute Webinar: Link to Webinar Registration [docs.google.com]
2. Schedule a 1:1 District Walkthrough: Link to Your Calendar [tinyurl.com]

Level All handles the heavy lifting of onboarding and support. Let’s work together to ensure no Montana senior leaves high school without these essential life and career resources.

MAST

As a reminder to all teachers and administrators, the MAST newsletter is packed with important updates, training opportunities, and helpful tips.

If you would like to start receiving it, please click this link:

MAST Newsletter Signup

In case you missed it, here is a link to the most recent MAST newsletter:MAST Memo - March 2026 - Vol. 5

Starting Window 3 of MAST on March 30, schools will have access to the new MAST Interactive Reporting platform. This enhanced reporting tool provides dynamic, easy-to-navigate access to student performance data from individual MAST testlets in Math and ELA.

Educators will be able to view testlet reports, explore performance levels, analyze misconceptions in Math, and download reports as PDFs for sharing and planning. MAST reports will continue to be available in Kite.

To support implementation, a live training will be held Monday, March 30, from 3:30–4:30 PM to walk through how to access and navigate the platform.

We look forward to launching this new reporting experience and supporting schools in using MAST data to inform instruction

STARS

The Montana’s STARS Act (HB 252) offers state-funded incentive to districts that are successful in preparing graduates for postsecondary success.

• Incentive funding is calculated based on the number of graduates earning postsecondary credits, industry-recognized credentials, workplace learning credits, or an associate’s degree prior to graduation.
• Payments are made two years in arrears beginning in FY 2028 (i.e., amounts are based on graduates’ achievements from the 2025–26 school year.
• Payments flow to both the high school district AND the K–8 elementary district where the student completed 8th grade.
• OPI and OCHE are partnering to develop resource tools to support districts in implementing the new legislation and submitting data on student outcomes. 
• Visit OPI’s STARS website to learn more about the legislation.

Superintendent Hedalen, onX Announce Partnership to Promote Youth Outdoor Recreation

Helena, Mont. — The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Montana-based company onX aimed at encouraging students to safely explore the outdoors and embrace healthy, active lifestyles rooted in Montana’s outdoor heritage.

Through this partnership, Montana students ages 12–17 who have successfully completed a certified hunter safety course will be eligible to receive a free one-year subscription to onX Hunt  Premium. Students can participate by clicking the designated link, completing the form, and uploading proof of their hunter safety certification from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

This effort highlights the importance of hunter education, which includes firearm safety, responsible outdoor practices, conservation principles. It also includes the importance of understanding private property, block management, and public land access, all of which onX helps support. By incentivizing participation in hunter safety courses, OPI and onX are working together to promote responsible recreation and healthy outdoor activity among the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

“Montana’s outdoor heritage is one of our greatest traditions, passed down from generation to generation,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “As an avid outdoorswoman and hunter, myself, I know firsthand how time spent outdoors promotes both physical and mental health. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to raising healthy, confident young Montanans who understand safety, responsibility, and stewardship. I want to sincerely thank onX for being such a strong proponent of this effort. Their dedication to conservation and public land access helps us inspire students to get outside, be active, and develop a lifelong love for our great outdoors.”

“Knowing where you stand isn’t just onX Hunt’s tagline, it’s essential for every hunter,” said Kevin Vine, Business Development Manager at onX. “onX is proud to partner with the Montana Office of Public Instruction to promote ethical and responsible hunting for Montana’s next generation of hunters.”

“These kinds of partnerships give an extra boost to our education program, which is critical for kids to learn how to be safe and ethical hunters, while also understanding the important role private landowners play in Montana’s hunting heritage,” said FWP Director Christy Clark.

Together, the Montana Office of Public Instruction and onX are investing in the next generation of healthy, informed outdoor leaders, fostering appreciation for conservation, strengthening communities, and celebrating the natural beauty that defines Montana.The OPI will continue working to expand access to hunter education opportunities across the state by encouraging more students to enroll in Hunter’s Education courses and supporting stronger partnerships between schools and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to offer these programs. By increasing availability and awareness of these courses, OPI aims to ensure that more students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in Montana’s outdoor traditions safely and responsibly.

For more information and to access the student submission link, please visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s website Welcome to the Hunter Education Incentive Partnership page .

Ed-Flex Waiver Application 

The OPI was recently granted an Ed Flex waiver from the Department of Education that will give LEAs more flexibility regarding Title Program funding and programmatic implementation.  Are you interested in waiving the 15% maximum Title I A carryover for districts? Are you in a targeted school and would like to consider a schoolwide program? Is your district wondering how to leverage Title IV funding more efficiently by waiving the percentage requirements of that funding? If so, take a closer look at the Ed Flex waiver.  

If you’re interested in more information, there will be an informational webinar May 5, 2026 at 3:30. Join the webinar here.  

Completed waiver applications must be sent to essainput@mt.gov by June 1, 2026 and will be reviewed by a committee.  Once approved, applications must be renewed annually.  If you have any questions, or are a district seeking to waive the 40% poverty threshold for Title I A Schoolwide Programs, please contact Zach Hawkins.

Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for Special Education: Chapter 55

The agency is seeking applications from interested parties to serve on the Special Education Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (NRC) to update ARM 10.55.805 regarding special education graduation requirements and to consider the addition of definitions, duties, and responsibilities of a special education technician. Negotiated rulemaking is required by § 20-7-101, Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The rules recommended by the Superintendent of Public Instruction must be developed through the negotiated rulemaking process under Title 2, chapter 5, part 1. The agency will seek individuals likely to be significantly affected by the proposed rule amendment, including individuals from the following groups:  

• School District Trustees
•  K-12 Administrators
•  K-12 Teachers
•  Higher Education Faculty
•  School Business Officials
•  Parents
•  Taxpayers
•  Montana Tribal Representatives

Interested individuals may submit an application to this form. The Superintendent of Public Instruction will select members to serve on the committee based upon the required roles (listed above).

If you have any questions, please reach out to Patrick Cates, Senior Manager of School Safety and Student Supports, patrick.cates@mt.gov.

AED

Montana AED Reimbursement Program

In 2025, the Montana Legislature passed HB 869, (part of Title 10, Chapter 7, part 13, MCA) which appropriated a grant fund for school districts for reimbursement of the purchase and ongoing maintenance of automatic external defibrillators (AED).

The grant program shall provide a reimbursement of $1 for every $1 paid by a school district up to a maximum state contribution of $700 per AED. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. AED maintenance and accessories can also be reimbursed.

The third application period opened April 15^th and closes June 15^th.  

Reimbursement requests will be reviewed monthly after the 15th of each month, with reimbursement sent to districts by the 15th of the following month. School districts will be notified of eligible or non-eligible reimbursement submissions. 

Questions?

Christy Mock-Stutz, Assistant Chief Program Officer, christy.mock-stutz@mt.gov

Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Director, katie.bloodgood@mt.gov

Application: https://montanaopi.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tRlBi8bjsV3t7E

OPI School Technology Resource Program

This program is administered by the OPI and collects computer equipment from state and federal sources, and private donations to distribute at no cost to Montana's K-12 public schools. The equipment is stored in Clancy, MT and is operational, but all data (including operating systems) is removed for security purposes. Equipment available may include desktops, laptops, tablets, chromebooks, monitors, and printers. 

Contact opiboneyard@mt.gov to find out more about what inventory is available or schedule a time to visit:

Please provide the following info in your email: name, school district, school and phone number

Montana DRIVE

Montana DRIVE registration is open and filling fast! We are just over half full for adult courses and Teen Week tickets are just under half full. Spend one day on the closed racetrack in Lewistown, Montana and learn life-saving skills to respond safely to driving risks. Since 1979, more than 18,000 drivers have participated in a Montana DRIVE Workshop.  

The mission of the Montana DRIVE Program is to enhance management of driver risk through in-vehicle training and education services to schools, governments, businesses, and the general public. The workshops contribute to this by:

• Increasing the participant’s awareness of driving risks,
• Identifying driver and vehicle limitations,
• Providing practice in driving behaviors that anticipate and manage risks,
• Providing confidence-building opportunities to successfully manage critical situations, and
• Encouraging and practicing "every time" use of seat belts.

If you are still thinking about registering yourself or your teen, the time is now! Registration for each day closes a week in advance. Be sure to select your dates and get signed up before your preferred dates are taken. Check out our new Self-Registration Site and let us know if you have any questions by email at montanadrive@mt.gov.

Indicator 8 Survey

The OPI is asking all Special Education Teachers, Directors and School Administrators to assist our Special Education unit with parent surveys to families of students with disabilities. The Indicator 8 Special Education Family Involvement Survey is a critical tool for understanding how well districts are partnering with families of students with disabilities. Required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this data provides valuable insight into whether schools are effectively facilitating meaningful family engagement in the IEP process and overall educational experience. Strong participation ensures that district practices reflect family perspectives, supports continuous improvement, and ultimately strengthens outcomes for students. Currently, more than 250 districts have a 0% response rate. Increasing participation in these districts will be essential to ensuring the data is meaningful and representative. The survey will remain open through June 30, providing an additional two months to increase participation.

For questions please contact Patrick Cates.

Achievement in Montana (AIM)

Assessment

Career, Technical and Adult Education

Coordinated School Health

Gifted and Talented

Montana Autism Education Project

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

School Finance

School Nutrition

Special Education

Standards, Instruction & Professional Learning

Title & Federal Programs

As a reminder the OPI has a legislative packet which can be found here: Summary of Legislation Related to K-12 Education 

Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest

AG Knudsen, MHP, and Stockman Bank accepting submissions for 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest

McKenna Gregg, Communications Director

This newsletter is from The Montana Office of Public Instruction. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to sign up for this newsletter!

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The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.