Superintendent Susie Hedalen

09/03/2026

The Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education met yesterday, where we had great discussions on the needs of our Native students and how we can work together to ensure they have the support and resources they need to succeed. It was a great conversation focused on strengthening opportunities and outcomes for students across Montana.

https://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/Indian-Education-for-All/MACIE

09/03/2026

Thank you, Governor Greg Gianforte and Billings Skyview High School, for hosting us for a discussion on how we can better protect our students online and address the impact social media is having on young minds. Protecting our kids and giving parents the tools they need must remain a priority.

Great to join Superintendent Susie Hedalen, legislators, parents, students, teachers, and industry representatives at Skyview High in Billings to discuss the effects of social media use on young Montanans and how we can better protect students online.

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton was a national icon, multi-generational artist, and charitable philanthropist. Most importantly, she was one of our country’s strongest advocates for children. By creating the Imagination Library, over 3 million children ages 5 and under are receiving a free, age appropriate book mailed to their home each month. This includes around 30,000 Montana kids in all 56 counties! While we celebrate Dolly’s life, we know that her legacy will continue through the lives of the young people she has impacted. My prayers are with her family and friends.

08/25/2026

Montana AED Reimbursement Program

Application is OPEN!

In 2025, the Montana Legislature passed HB 869, (part of Title 10, Chapter 7, part 13, MCA) which appropriated a grant fund for school districts for reimbursement of the purchase and ongoing maintenance of automatic external defibrillators (AED).

The grant program shall provide a reimbursement of $1 for every $1 paid by a school district up to a maximum state contribution of $700 per AED. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. AED maintenance and accessories can also be reimbursed.

Link to application:

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

08/24/2026

Social media influencers may be helping students discover the skilled trades, but in Montana, we know students don’t need an influencer to see the value of CTE.
They see it in their communities every day in the people building, fixing, creating, and keeping Montana moving.
CTE gives students real skills, real experience, and real opportunities for a great career.

Skilled trades jobs are in demand. Young skilled trades pros/influencers pique teens' interest.

08/18/2026

Artificial intelligence is not the future. It is the present. If we guide its use wisely, Montana students won't simply adapt to a changing world, they will be prepared to lead it.

Whether we welcome it or not, AI is here to stay. The real question is not whether students will use artificial intelligence, but how we will teach them to use

08/13/2026

Artificial intelligence is no longer something we read about in science fiction. It is already changing how we work, communicate, and solve problems. That is why the Montana Office of Public Instruction, in partnership with the Montana Digital Academy, developed the Montana Artificial Intelligence Guidelines for K-12 schools. These guidelines are designed to help schools embrace innovation while protecting what matters most: student learning.

08/10/2026

Today I had the opportunity to meet with the new President of the University of Montana
and the Dean of the College of Education. We had a great conversation about our shared priorities and how higher education and the Montana Office of Public Instruction can work together to better serve Montana students.
I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation and finding ways we can work together to ensure students are prepared for success beyond the classroom.

08/07/2026

With the new school year just around the corner, thank you to the President and First Lady for this encouraging back to school message to Montana students!

08/06/2026

Today, I launched Montana's new school report card platform! This platform gives families and communities an easier way to understand school data, celebrate successes, and stay informed about the progress being made to prepare every Montana student for future opportunities. Learn more at the link below👇

Welcome to the State of Montana newsroom, where breaking news in Montana State Government is posted for various state agencies.