State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Opens Applications for the Education Savings Account Steering Committee
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen is seeking ten Montana parents and community members to provide the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) with consultation and advice on the administration of the Education Savings Account (ESA), created by HB 393, sponsored by Representative Sue Vinton. The Education Savings Account Steering Committee will provide strategic advisory support to ensure the administrative process of the ESA program meets the needs of students and families enrolled in the program.
“As the daughter of a special education teacher, I understand the unique needs of students of all abilities,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This steering committee is reflective of my Montana Hope initiative, which focuses on developing the whole child through parental and community engagement. I encourage all parents with children of varying abilities to apply to this committee.”
“I was pleased to sponsor The Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act in the 2023 Legislative Session which includes the Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account Program,” said Representative Sue Vinton. “All students are different, and their needs are similarly unique. This Act provides families with flexibility in accessing the best and most appropriate educational setting for their child while upholding Montana's constitutional mandate to provide equal opportunity to all children to reach their full educational potential. I am gratified that families of students with special needs will now be able to customize their child's education under the administration and oversight of the OPI.”
Committee members will be selected by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and will represent families from the entire state of Montana. Applications will be available on OPI’s website through December 5, 2023. The Superintendent will appoint at least ten members to the Committee, based on the documentation provided in the application. Members will serve through the Fall of 2024 and may be reappointed for consecutive terms.
The committee will meet every month for two hours. Meetings will be held online, and an agenda will be available prior to the meetings. Committee responsibilities include:
- Active participation in meetings
- Timely review of any materials
- Focus on solutions
- Ensure timely and accurate communication with OPI
- Provide specific feedback on agenda items and request future agenda items as needed
- Keep information confidential as required
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