Jurisdiction State of Montana Website opi.mt.gov | Headquarters Helena, Montana | |
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Agency executive Elsie Arntzen, Superintendent of Public Instruction | ||
The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is the state education agency of Montana. Elsie Arntzen is the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The agency is headquartered in Helena.
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The people of Montana have elected a State Superintendent of Instruction as one of the five members of the Executive Branch since 1889. Montana demonstrates the high value it places on educating our children, by electing a State Superintendent for K-12 public education who is accountable directly to Montana citizens. By law, the State Superintendent has general supervision of the K-12 public schools and districts. The State Superintendent also serves as a member of the Land Board, the State Library Commission, and as an ex officio non-voting member of the Board of Public Education, the Board of Regents for the University System, and the Board of Education.
Advancements under Denise Juneau's leadership
Since Denise Juneau took office tobacco use among Montana teens declined. Student ACT scores are up from last year. New math scores show Montana fourth and eighth–graders continue to test above the national average, and the number of students who struggle with reading is down.
In 2009, Montana's leadership in key Indian Education policies was recognized. Bozeman middle–school student Marina Dimitrov became America's Top Young Scientist. The National Indian Education Association named Denise Juneau 2009 Educator of the Year, and under Juneau's leadership Montana became one of only seven states receiving grants to increase the number of graduates.
Denise Juneau has worked to make sure that more schools than ever before are able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to students thanks to grants from Juneau's office. Juneau is also a leading voice for promoting local agriculture and advancing agriculture education in Montana.