Artzen holding forum on education legislation Tuesday

Montana Office of Public Instruction Superintendent Elsie Arntzen will be in Havre Tuesday at noon in the Montana State University-Northern Student Union Building Ballroom for an open forum on education legislation as the state Legislature's transmittal break continues.

OPI Communications Director Brian O'Leary said the forum will be similar to those Artzen held before this year's legislative session, though this one will include discussion of legislation the session has already dealt with in addition to what's to come.

The Legislature's transmittal break is typically the cutoff for non-budget related bills to pass from the Montana House of Representatives to the Senate and vice-versa. Bills that don't get approved by one of these in time for the break are generally considered dead.

O'Leary said the event in Havre is an opportunity for parents, teachers, school leaders and local legislators to ask questions and register concerns regarding current legislation.

"It'll be an open forum discussion," he said.

A press release from, OPI said the theme of the event is Bridging the Communication Between Schools and Families."

"I am thankful for the great conversations with parents, legislators, and school leaders that occurred during the December community events," Arntzen said in the press release. "These listening sessions are an opportunity to discuss legislation that will affect our Montana schools and students. I look forward to joining Montana parents, school leaders, and legislators in putting our Montana students first."

The release says the event will begin with a meet and greet followed by legislators sharing their goals for education this session and will close with an opportunity for parents and school leaders to ask questions of the legislators.

Later in the day Arntzen will hold a similar forum in Lewistown and another the next day in Butte as part of a five-stop tour.

She was holding the forums today in Sidney and Miles City.