FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2023
Superintendent Arntzen Encourages Parents to Opt-In to Student Photo Repository
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen supports missing and endangered children through the secure digital student photo repository. Montana parents may choose to opt-in to this repository. During the 2019 legislative session, SB 40 directed the Office of Public Instruction (OPI), in partnership with the Montana Department of Justice, to create and maintain a secure electronic photograph repository of all Montana students for the exclusive purpose of locating missing school-age children. The repository provides immediate and 24/7 year-round access to a child’s school directory photograph for law enforcement should a child be reported missing.
“The secure student photo directory increases response times if the unimaginable happens,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This reflects my Montana Hope initiative, which emphasizes student safety and family engagement. As the new school year begins we must all be mindful of our children as they travel to and from home.”
What parents and guardians need to know about the photo repository:
- Parents must give permission, or opt-in, for their child’s photograph to be included in the repository. The school or district will provide a form or other means to opt in.
- The child’s photograph will only be used by law enforcement for the express purpose of locating a child should he/she be reported to law enforcement as missing. No other use is permitted.
- Photos will be updated annually and deleted after two years.
- Photographs can be added, updated, or removed from the repository at any time upon parental request by contacting the school or district.
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Questions? Contact:
Brian O'Leary, Communications Director
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.
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