Public education needs new leadership

This letter supports Dr. Shannon O’Brien for Montana State Superintendent of Schools. The Office of Public Instruction needs leadership that brings change that supports students and teachers in Montana’s schools.

Current Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and her former Chief Deputy Susie Hedalan implemented policies that decimated the Office of Public Instruction and failed our students and teachers. Hedalan, now Shannon’s opponent, promises to continue these policies. Montana’s schools cannot afford this.

More than half our students are not proficient in math and reading. Montana’s teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation. There’s high staff turnover and shortages of qualified educators. Many first-year teachers are leaving the profession. These alarming statistics demand urgent action and change.

Shannon has the vision and experience to do that. She’s been a teacher, basketball coach, Dean of Missoula College, and a state senator, where she led successful education initiatives. Her experience equips her with the knowledge and skills necessary to make effective changes and lead our schools in a new direction.

Shannon understands that public education is linked to political action but it’s grounded in classrooms, schools and communities. She will partner with legislators to address the critical problems facing our schools and ensure that every Montana child has access to quality education.

Unlike her opponent, Shannon wasn’t handpicked by those intending to degrade our public schools. She’s running to fix existing problems and chart a course that strives to ensure the success of every student. Shannon’s running because she genuinely cares.

Montana’s public education needs new leadership. We need a leader that places students, teachers and schools front and center on the state’s education agenda. Montana’s kids deserve nothing less.

Vote for Shannon O’Brien, State Superintendent of Schools.

– Sue McCormick, Retired Educator

Polson