Superintendent Arntzen opens applications to the Community Choice School Commission

• Brian O'Leary
• August 24 2023

HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen has opened applications to the Community Choice School Commission. This application window will close on September 8. 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.

“It is my duty to appoint a student and family committed member to this newly formed commission that will support our special needs students,” said Superintendent Arntzen. “Of our almost 150,000 enrolled students in our Montana public school system, 14% are special needs students. This commission's work will focus on the success of all abilities of these students.”

This commission has state-wide jurisdiction and authority and is attached to the Board of Education for administrative purposes. The commission consists of seven members:

• two members appointed by the Governor
• one member appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction
• one member appointed by the President of the Senate
• one member appointed by the Speaker of the House
• one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate
• one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Members appointed to the commission must collectively possess substantial experience and expertise in board governance, business, finance, education, management, and philanthropy. The Superintendent's appointee will serve an initial term of 3 years. Each member of the Commission is entitled to reimbursement for expenses upon approval of the treasurer of the Commission as provided in the Commission’s bylaws.