Superintendent Arntzen Blasts Organizations for Stalling Educational Opportunities

Montana Office of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 04/23/2024 05:26 PM MDT

Montana Office of Public Instruction News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2024

Superintendent Arntzen Blasts Organizations for Stalling Educational Opportunities

HELENA – “Unaccountable organizations and associations utilize our court system when they can’t win in the Legislature. Montanans elect representatives to be their voice and pass legislation at our Capitol. These stuck-in-the-mud education groups are hurting children of all abilities and parental choice by standing in the way of Montana’s constitutional promise to develop the full educational potential of all children. I have always been and will continue to be a fierce advocate for transparency, parental rights, and expanding educational choices for our children.” – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen

Background:

On April 27, 2023, HB 393, the Montana Legislature passed the Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act, which created the Education Savings Account (ESA).
On May 18, 2023, HB 393 was signed by the Governor.
On July 1, 2023, HB 393 became effective.
On November 28, 2023, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) opened applications for the ESA Steering Committee.
On December 10, 2023, OPI announced the ESA Steering Committee members.
On January 9 and February 12, 2024, OPI held the first two ESA Steering Committee meetings.
- January 9, 2024, meeting Agenda and Recording
- February 12, 2024, meeting Agenda and Recording
On January 23, 2024, the Montana Quality Educators Coalition (MQEC) and Disability Rights Montana filed a lawsuit against HB 393.
On March 11 and April 8, 2024, OPI held two more ESA Steering Committee meetings.
- March 11, 2024, meeting Agenda and Recording
- April 8, 2024, meeting Agenda and Recording
On April 8, 2024, OPI hired an account specialist to handle the flow of ESA dollars
On April 11, 2024, OPI published that the ESA applications would be available on May 1, 2024.
On April 15, 2024, OPI released a Family Interest Survey. About 60 Montana parents and families contacted OPI with interest in utilizing the ESA.
On April 22, 2024, a motion for a preliminary injunction was filed by MQEC to stop the implementation of HB 393.

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Questions? Contact:

Brian O'Leary, Communications Director

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