State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Reminds School Boards of New Deadline for the Variances to Standard Application
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen announced today that local board of school trustees can now apply for variances to 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 initial or to renew variances.
“This is local accountability in action,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Variances allow schools flexibility to create community solutions while engaging families. Again, a one-size-fits-all rulebook does not reflect the uniqueness of Montana’s over 400 school districts.”
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 55.1101through 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 9, 2023.
A review board, appointed by the Superintendent, will assess applications using a uniform rubric to ensure consistency and quality. The Superintendent will present the applications to the Board of Public Education (BPE) during their November meeting. The board will vote to accept the variances during their January meeting.
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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