1 week Ago By DR. TIM THARP, RENEE RASMUSSEN, KARL WOLF AND MATTHEW ROTH
In the race for Montana's superintendent of public in-struction, experience matters. Having spent decades as teachers and administrators in Montana's rural schools, we know firsthand how important it is for our students, families and educators to have a competent and experienced leader at the helm of the Office of Public Instruction (OPI). That is why we encourage voters to support Susie Hedalen for superintendent when casting your ballots this fall.
We have seen Susie's leadership at the local and state level in our various capacities. Some of us have served together as rural district superintendents, teachers, administrators at OPI, and on the Board of Public Education. In each of these roles, Susie has demonstrated a strong knowledge of the interworkings of local, state, and federal policies that go into operating our public schools while eff ectively leading the teams that she works with.
The position of state superintendent requires someone with deep experience in education administration. Education funding is the single-largest expenditure in our state's budget. The state superintendent must be familiar with everything from school funding and federal programs, to transportation and nutrition, to licensure, accreditation, and more.
Susie is the only candidate in this race with experience in actually implementing these programs at both the state level and in the classroom. On the Board of Public Education, Susie heads up the Board's licensure and accreditation committees while serving as the liaison to the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education and the Education & Workforce Data Governing Board. Previously at OPI, Susie oversaw the state's federal programs.
In each of these roles, we have witnessed Susie's tremendous experience, knowledge, and leadership to improve education programs for the benefit of Montana students and schools. Parents and educators expect proactive customer service from OPI. This includes strong communication, competent implementation of programs, less bureaucracy, professional support, transparency, and a culture of partnership.
This job will require a skilled professional administrator, not a politician. Susie's opponent has never worked in Montana's K-12 public schools and is a sitting legislator. Despite the lies from partisan political activists, Susie has been working in local schools for the past five years (of her 20year career in Montana education) and has nothing to do with any current controversies at OPI.
Education is at a critical turning point in this state and nation. There is growing urgency to improve student outcomes, prepare graduates for success in the workforce, and attract high-quality teachers. With nearly two decades of experience from classroom management all the way up to state and federal education policy, it is clear that Susie is the candidate we need to lead OPI.
Not only does she care deeply about preparing the next generation for success, she has the experience to make it happen. Dr. Tim Tharp is the chairman of the Montana Board of Public Education and the Richland County Superintendent of Schools.
Renee Rasmussen is a Board of Public Education Member and former Superintendent of Bainville Public Schools. Karl Wolf is a retired Helena Public Schools teacher of 30 years. Matthew Roth is the Chair of the Florence Carlton School District Board of Trustees and a parent.
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