Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Announces the 2022 Montana Special Education Advisory Panel

• Brian O'Leary
• October 18 2022

HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen appointed 21 Montanans to the Office of Public Instruction’s Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP). Each member of the panel will serve a three-year term and provide policy advice to Superintendent Arntzen for special education-related services for our Montana special needs students.

The members of the panel are:

“I am grateful to the members of the Special Education Advisory Panel for their dedication to all of our Montana students,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “As the daughter of a special education teacher, I know the importance of building a strong community of support for every one of our Montana students. This advisory panel encourages all students to achieve their full educational potential.”

During the 2022-2023 school year the SEAP members will be focused on the organization of membership, functions, and responsibilities, and maintaining bylaws and procedural SEAP outcomes. Additional advisory responsibilities may include student and community advocacy, gathering stakeholder input to build the decision-making capacity of the SEAP, and working openly with the public to bring forth objective advice and suggestions for improved service opportunities for all Montana students. The SEAP continually seeks valued community input and interaction with all Montana educational stakeholders.

The 2022 panel, led by State Special Education Director JP Williams, met for the first time on October 13 and 14 for orientation to provide all members with a common understanding of their purposes and membership requirements. The next meeting on January 18 and 19, 2023 will focus on establishing Montana’s annual panel priorities and strategic planning.

If you would like to be involved or learn more about the important work of the SEAP, please contact State Special Education Director JP Williams at jp.williams@mt.govor (406) 444-4426.

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