State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Stands With Montana Parents and Students
HELENA, MT—State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen stands with Montana parents, students, and Governor Greg Gianforte. Today, Governor Gianforte announced a DPHHS emergency rule to reinforce parental rights regarding masking in schools.
“In Montana, we recognize that parents know what is best for their children,” Superintendent Arntzen said. “Together, parents and school leaders must determine policies that empower each student to have access to an equal and robust education. Listening to the voices of families is vital in order for local control to work effectively,” Arntzen added.
Montana has led the nation in keeping school doors open for learning and for reopening schools safely. Last spring, State Superintendent Arntzen developed the Montana Learn and Montana Flex 2020 Task Forces. Students, parents, educators, and community partners were brought together to provide resources and guidance to families and teachers during unprecedented times. The core of the guidance supported flexibility in schools under decisions made at the local level.
Last week, Superintendent Arntzen sent a letter to Education Secretary Cardona and CDC Director Walensky urging local control and acknowledgment of Montana’s vast rural geography as it relates to masking on buses.
Under Article 10 of the Montana Constitution, equality in education is guaranteed to each person of the state. It is the duty of the government to ensure every student has access to an equal education.
Here is Governor Gianforte’s DPHHS Emergency Rule announced today.
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Contact: Anastasia Burton, Communications Director
Anastasia.Burton@mt.gov, 406-444-7325