Volume XLV                            April 2024

No. 338

A Work of Heart
by Sheri Heavrin, MASSP President 

There are jobs, there are careers, and then there are works of the heart. If I have learned anything in my 24 years spent as an educator, it is that works of the heart are often the most challenging, but bring the most joy. Of all the blessings being an educational leader has provided me, genuine connections made with students, staff, parents, community and colleagues are by far the most rewarding. Connections build relationships, relationships build trust, and trust builds success for all of us…if that’s not a true work of heart, I don't know what is!  

We all know effective leadership isn't just about making decisions or grinding through the day to day. It's about approaching every challenge, every opportunity and every person with a sense of empathy, compassion, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. When we lead with heart, are passionate about what we do, and approach each day with a sense of purpose and excitement, we inspire others to do the same, and that is how meaningful change begins to happen.

For me, having the opportunity to create and maintain connections with colleagues over the years has been a wonderful gift and has made this calling even more fulfilling. These relationships reach far beyond emails, meetings, professional responsibilities and deadlines. It's in our conversations, shared humor, laughter at ourselves or current situations, and in moments of support, when the going gets tough, that real camaraderie grows. In my mind, it’s pretty simple; together we are better. 

So, here's to us, my fellow heart-driven leaders! I see you; I embrace you; I am here cheering for you; I am you. Let's keep getting out of our comfort zones, putting ourselves out there, and nurturing those connections. Let's keep making a difference by leading with grace and enthusiasm, and let's keep showing the world just how powerful a work of heart can truly be. 

With much love, respect, passion and gratitude,

Sheri Heavrin
MASSP President

Navigating Montana's Educational Policy Landscape:  A Guide to the Key Players

You may have caught some news recently about a lot of pushing and shoving between state officials regarding education policy. It has been interesting to watch how all of this has unfolded. It has also caused some frustration and chaos, which seems to be a symptom of perhaps a larger issue. 

As you know, our state constitution designates just a few entities that are responsible for the MT K12 education system: The Legislature, the Board of Public Ed, locally elected School Boards, and the State Superintendent. When these entities are all pulling in the same direction, things can be fairly smooth for our K12 system. Ideas are formed, important discussions happen, there is consistent guidance, and most importantly, the work gets done. When these entities are not working together, confusion occurs and schools are stuck in the middle. In my opinion, this is where we find ourselves today.

In navigating these interesting times, I find it beneficial to remind myself about the constitutional responsibilities for each of the education partners. Equally important is the interplay between each of these partners.

1. The Legislature: The Funding Architects

At the heart of Montana's educational policy is the Legislature, which has the critical responsibility of ensuring the state provides a basic system of free, quality public elementary and secondary schools. This body is tasked with the formidable challenge of funding and distributing the state’s share of costs in an equitable manner across school districts. The Legislature's decisions directly impact the financial health and resource allocation of schools, making its role pivotal in the educational landscape.

2. Local Board of Trustees: The Local Guardians

The supervision and control of schools within each district are vested in a Board of Trustees. These boards are elected as per the law and act as the local governing bodies responsible for the direct oversight of educational institutions in their districts. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of functions, from implementing policy to ensuring that the schools under their jurisdiction meet the community’s educational standards and needs. The Local Board of Trustees serves as a vital link between the schools and the community, ensuring that local values and priorities are reflected in educational outcomes.

3. Board of Public Education: State Oversight

The Board of Public Education plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and quality of Montana’s educational system. Tasked with the general supervision over the public school system, this board ensures that educational standards and policies are consistently applied across the state. It acts as a guardian of educational quality, working to ensure that the state's schools adhere to established standards and practices. This board's overarching supervision helps maintain a cohesive and unified educational system that serves all Montanans effectively.

4. State Superintendent: The Education Official

The State Superintendent is an elected official who represents the state’s educational interests both within Montana and beyond. Serving on the state public land board, the Superintendent's role extends beyond education, linking it to broader issues of land and resources which are vital to Montana's economy and school funding. The Superintendent plays a crucial role in advocacy, policy implementation, and the ongoing dialogue about educational priorities.

The Interplay of Responsibilities

The collaborative interplay among these four entities ensures that Montana’s educational policy is both dynamic and grounded in the state's constitutional commitments. The Legislature’s role in funding sets the stage for the Local Board of Trustees to manage schools effectively, while the Board of Public Education and the State Superintendent provide overarching guidance and representation to ensure that the system remains cohesive and aligned with Montana’s educational goals. 

In an ideal world this interplay would be smooth and schools would benefit from this level of collaboration. In my opinion, we need these four partners to work together - both effectively and efficiently. We also need these four partners to each pull their own weight. Without that balance, schools will continue to struggle and our entire K12 system will not fulfill our constitutional responsibility to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person.

Mark Your Calendar:  SAM Webinar Series
Thursday, April 11, 10:00 AM
Innovative Approach to Staffing

Dr. Jan Vesley, from Arizona State University's Next Education Workforce Initiative, will describe an innovative team-based approach to staffing that can help with short-term staffing challenges and also bring about long-term, positive changes in schools. Early results show positive outcomes for both educators and students. The session will provide several concrete resources for thinking differently about educator staffing. 

SAM Webinars are scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM.  Recordings and resources from past webinars can be found on the SAM Member Landing Page.

Did you miss the March 14 SAM Webinar?  Follow the links below to access the webinar resources:

SAM Summer 2024 Events

Mark your calendar with the following events happening at SAM this summer!​

2024-25 SAM Membership Drive Launches in April!

The School Administrators of Montana (SAM) Membership Drive will begin on April 9 for the 2024-25 membership year! We will once again be using the online renewal process that we have used for the past several years. As the "key contact" for a district, district clerks/business managers will receive an email that will include information for completing membership renewals for their district's MASS, MASSP, MAEMSP, MCASE, and META members. Please work with your district clerk/business manager to be sure your membership is correct. Members not linked to a school district will receive an email that will include a link to their membership renewal form. We encourage you to renew your membership early so you can start the next fiscal year with the full benefits of your membership in place and without a chance of it lapsing. Contact the SAM Office with any questions you may have.