School Administrators of Montana

SAM Update 5-30-25

Dear SAM Members,

Are you ready for the Decennial Study? A reminder that this 2-year study of our funding formula starts soon. Their first meeting is actually next week, June 4. You can track progress on their website: School Funding Interim Commission (SFIC). While the commission members have been selected, they have yet to appoint the members of the working group. Stay engaged for more information.

2025 Session Wrap-Up

We tracked 150 education-related bills, of which a little more than 1/2 passed the session. We testified in support or opposition of 84 bills. We had some successes and some challenges. I have drafted the end of session report, as well as produced the short list of bills that will likely impact your daily work.

Thank you for staying engaged and thank you for your advocacy.

Energize. Empower. Elevate. - Registration Now Open for SAM AI

The 2025 SAM Administrators Institute (SAM AI) is scheduled for July 28-30 at the Delta Colonial in Helena! This year’s theme, Recharging Leadership: Fostering Dignity, Hope, and Resilience in Education, features an incredible lineup of keynote speakers and two powerful pre-conference options designed specifically for Montana's school leaders. (Session Descriptions)

Keynote Presenters:

  • Tami Pyfer | The Dignity Index - Learn how to lead through conflict with courage and empathy using a practical framework for navigating divisive conversations.
  • Tina Barrett | RECHARGE: Compassion Resilience in School Leadership - Discover tools to support your own wellness, foster resilient school cultures, and implement grief-sensitive practices.
  • Dr. Richard Miller | Kids at Hope: Unlocking the Power of Belief in Every Child - Challenge deficit-based thinking and embrace a belief system that empowers every child to succeed.

Pre-Conference Sessions (July 29 AM): 

  • Core Plus and More - Lynne Kulich and Mark Kessler - Focuses on differentiating Tier 1 and 2 instruction and using data to drive student success
  • Leadership & Happiness - Michelle Bartsch and Jenna Trowbridge - Strategies to equip leaders with neuroscience-backed strategies to foster organizational well-being and leadership effectiveness.

Through inspiring keynotes, innovative sessions, and practical strategies, SAM AI will help you: Energize. Empower. Elevate.

Register yourself and your team today:  2025 SAM AI Registration Form

(Teams of 5 or more from the same district receive a $25/person credit. No need to submit forms at the same time.)

Room block information:

OPI Out-of-District Attendance Guidance

To provide clarity on out-of-district attendance and enrollment policies as they relate to state ANB reporting, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has issued updated guidance. This document outlines the statutory framework and incorporates recent legislative changes (HB 250 and HB 567). The guidance is meant to assist school districts when reporting ANB. Access the guidance document here:  Out-of-District Attendance Guidance document

Google Admin Security Best Practices Webinar Sponsored by META

About
This information-packed session provides school administrators and IT professionals with actionable strategies to enhance data security within their Google Workspace environment. We'll explore the Google Admin Console's powerful security features, including both free and upgraded tools, and demonstrate how to leverage them to proactively protect your school's sensitive information. Learn how to configure organizational units for staff and students, implement robust security policies, and effectively investigate and respond to potential incidents. Presented by CDW Academy.

When
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. 

Reserve your spot:  Webinar Registration Form

OPI Early Literacy Targeted Intervention Program Seeking Highlight Videos

The Early Literacy Team at the Office of Public Instruction wants to highlight your program. This is an opportunity to show off your school and community's strong work. 

The team is seeking videos from 3-5 minutes in length. These videos would have footage of your Classroom or Jumpstart programs. They will tell the story of the growth and benefits your schools and communities have seen since implementing Early Literacy programs. Feel free to include multiple perspectives—teachers, parents, trustees, admin, specialists, and students.  Follow this link for sample videos and more information:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z-ZiPjd95wIwW_tqsUtj8Wcftl0mwY3-WN9e9NnbZls/edit?tab=t.0

This endeavor is ongoing, so there is no official date for submission. Contact Jackie Ronning or Kimberly Evans with questions.