State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Fills Community Choice School Commission Vacancy
HELENA - Superintendent Arntzen has appointed Jon Rutt of Laurel to fill the vacancy on the Community Choice School Commission. The position became vacant when the Superintendent’s initial appointee resigned due to time commitment constraints. Mr. Rutt will serve an initial term of three years.
“Community Choice Schools reflect Montana’s local accountability with strong family and community engagement,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The Commission will aid in expanding educational innovation and opportunity for all Montana children. I am pleased to appoint Mr. Rutt based on his vast experience and commitment to putting Montana students and families first.”
“I am honored and privileged to be appointed to this commission,” said Jon Rutt. “I look forward to participating in the next chapter of educating our Montana children."
Mr. Rutt and his wife owned and operated Aqua Systems of Montana from 1981 to 2018 and provided water treatment equipment and service to the entire state in the residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and medical applications. They owned and operated a Car Wash in Laurel from 1985 to 2022, they also own and manage rental property. Mr. Rutt operates Jon Rutt Consulting, LLC providing services to the industrial, municipal, and medical field in the proper application of water treatment technologies. Mr. Rutt’s experience on various Boards includes:
- Board of Directors for the Billings Symphony 2005 to 2008
- Charter/founding board member and current Chairman of the Laurel Montana Community Foundation, Inc in 2015
- Montana Community Foundation board member from 2020 to 2022
- Laurel Park Board advising the City of Laurel for the last 5 years
- Laurel Fire District #5 board secretary/treasurer
Mr. Rutt has coordinated the compliance issues of a small business dealing with several regulatory agencies, and as a board member of 501(c)3 organizations, has been involved in philanthropy on the giving end along with fundraising.
In the 2023 Legislative Session, Montana lawmakers passed HB 562, authorizing the establishment of Community Choice Schools. Section 4 of the bill establishes the Community Choice School Commission, which is responsible for approving authorizers for choice schools throughout the state. All members of the commission must have a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to choice schools as a strategy for strengthening public education. Appointees must collectively possess substantial experience and expertise in board governance, business, finance, education, management, and philanthropy.
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