Legislative Info
MONTANA BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
The Board of Public Education has a mission statement as directed by Article X, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution that states, "There is a board of public education to exercise general supervision over the public school system and such other public educational institutions as may be assigned by law". The Board of Public Education was established to supervise, serve, maintain, and strengthen Montana's system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools.
The Board of Public Education was created by the Montana Constitution of 1972 to exercise general supervision over the elementary and secondary schools of the state. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to staggered seven-year terms. By statute, the Governor must appoint members to the Board so that not more than four may be from one of two districts provided for in 2-15-156 , MCA, and not more than four may be affiliated with the same political party.
Current Board members:
- Dr. Tim Tharp, Savage, Chair
- Dr. Ron Slinger, Miles City, Vice Chair
- Renee Rasmussen, Clancy
- Lisa Schmidt, Conrad
- Julia Maxwell, Marion
- Dr. Hannah Nieskens, Cardwell
- Gavin Mow, Helena, Student Representative
In addition to the constitutional mandate to exercise general supervision of Montana public schools, the Board is assigned specific powers and duties by the Montana Legislature in 20-2-121, MCA.
The Board has worked with the Education Interim Committee and Education Interim Budget Committee to produce the following reports and budget relevant to the 2023 Legislative Session: