State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Blasts Organizations for Stalling Educational Opportunities
Office of Public Instruction
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.
- 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.
- 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.