State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Continues to Focus on Student-Based Outcomes for Montana Accreditation Standards
HELENA – The Chapter 55 Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (NRC) chose to have another meeting to continue their work. After 17 meetings that began on February 24, the NRC has reached consensus on 48 individual rules. There are two individual rules that will continue to be negotiated on July 15. These two rules address library and counseling staff in schools. The Superintendent’s recommendations on library and counseling staff place an emphasis on student-centered program services rather than checking the box for adult staffing ratios.
“The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee has reached consensus on many meaningful changes to our state school accreditation standards,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The remaining rules focus on enhancing literacy, student wellness, and career development through program services that deliver measurable outcomes for our Montana students. Our children and our families deserve standards that open the door to their future.”
On June 28 and 30, 2022, the NRC reached consensus on two rules:
- ARM 10.55.704 – Employment of District Superintendents
- ARM 10.55.705 – Employment of School Administrators/Principals
The NRC will continue to negotiate two rules on July 15:
- ARM 10.55.709 – Library Media Services K-12
- ARM 10.55.710 – Assignment of School Counseling Staff
On June 20, 2022, Superintendent Arntzen released an economic impact survey on 10 of the proposed changes to Montana’s school accreditation rules. This survey will be used to develop an economic impact statement as required per §2-4-405, MCA during the rulemaking process. The statement will determine if there are any substantial cost implications associated with the proposed rule changes. The survey closes on July 5, 2022.
The NRC determined that two additional rules should be included in the economic impact survey. This second survey will include rules 10.55.704 and 10.55.705 on the employment of district superintendents, administrators, and principals to determine if there is any significant impact to districts. This survey can be found here and will close on July 8, 2022.
The recommended changes to Chapter 55 will be sent to the Montana Board of Public Education on the completion of the negotiations.
###