Members of a legislative interim committee voted 6-2 to express their concern regarding the performance of Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, citing repeated failures to implement education laws designed to aid children and causing “widespread confusion” among schools. Chairman Dave Bedey, R-Hamilton, emphasized the disruptive impact of Arntzen’s decisions on legally mandated programs, prompting the committee to draft a letter addressed to her.
Chairman Bedey underscored the committee’s stance by highlighting two days of testimony from educators detailing the negative repercussions stemming from the Office of Public Instruction under Arntzen’s leadership. Reflecting the sentiments expressed by education professionals across Montana, Bedey and other legislators supported the initiative to call on Arntzen to fulfill her Constitutional duties.
However, Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, and Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, dissented from the decision to send the letter. While Esp acknowledged his agreement with the concerns raised by the committee, he disagreed with the proposed admonition.
Those in favor of the action included Bedey, Rep. Jones, Rep. Keogh, Sen. Windy Boy, Sen. Salomon, and Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula.
Arntzen, who is term-limited in her role as superintendent, is among the Republican candidates vying for Montana’s eastern Congressional seat.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
