State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Opens the Variances to Standard Application for School Boards
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen announced today that local board of school trustees can now apply for variances to assurance standards in the Chapter 55 rules on school accreditation. Variances are intended to provide options and innovation to school districts to help ensure educational quality and accountability. Boards can apply for an initial variance or to renew variances. Variances cannot affect statutory criteria, educator licensure or endorsement, and content standards as defined by the Board of Public Education (BPE).
“Variances reflect the local accountability nature of our great state,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Montana allows for flexibility through community engagement as every one of our 400 districts is unique. The process includes both state and local review that puts our Montana students first.”
To apply for a variance, school boards must submit proposals outlining how and why its proposed variance would be:
- Implemented
- Educationally sound
- Designed to meet or exceed results under established standards and, where applicable, aligned with program standards under ARM 10.55.1101 through 10.55.2201.
Community involvement is key, requiring evidence of stakeholder participation and formal adoption of the variance proposal at a board meeting.
Variances may include:
- Staffing
- Administrative personnel
- Libraries
- Counselors
- School improvement
Applications are due in writing by Monday, October 14, 2024.
A review board, appointed by the Superintendent, will assess applications using a uniform rubric, ensuring consistency and quality. Recommendations will be made within 60 days, and BPE will make the final decision.
This initiative empowers local districts to customize education while maintaining quality standards. For details and application guidelines, visit the accreditation webpage.
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