SAM Update 7-11-25

Dear SAM Members,

Thank you for staying engaged over the summer months.  We are looking forward to hosting everyone at the SAM summer conference. It is not too late to register. Info below!

The Impoundment Act of 1974. Where are the Title Funds?

Announced on July 1, the federal administration has put a 'hold' on some of your title funds. The two largest funds which impact nearly every MT schools are Title 2 and Title 4.  Your Title I, Part A and IDEA funds are NOT impacted by this hold back. The question that I am getting the most, 'When will they be released or when we will have a timeline?' Unfortunately - there is no info yet to help answer this question.

This week, several MT superintendents spent time advocating for SAM in DC. The topic of the missing Title funds was the top of our list. Generally, we received positive support in advocating for these funds and a sense that the congressional delegates would be reaching out to the Department of Ed for a timeline.

At the advocacy conference in DC, we had a chance to hear from a national attorney, an expert in this area of the law. Please see her presentation. Of note, slide 8 provides a brief explanation of why these funds are being investigated. And slide 20 has a great list of what districts should do right now.

The SAM office will stay in touch with our congressional representatives and I will forward any information that I receive. Sorry - I know you are all in process of finalizing your budgets for August and I wish we had better news regarding a timeline.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.  Rob

Leadership Recognition:  MASS Members Elected to AASA Boards

We’re proud to share that two of Montana’s outstanding education leaders have been appointed to key roles within the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Casey Klasna, Superintendent at Columbus Schools, has been installed to represent Montana as a member of the AASA Governing Board, where he will help guide the organization’s strategic direction.

Dr. Laurie Barron, Superintendent of Evergreen Schools, has been selected to serve on the AASA Executive Committee, a prestigious role that involves overseeing the organization's operations and advancing its mission of supporting school district leaders across the country.

Their leadership, vision, and commitment to public education will make a powerful impact at the national level. Congratulations to both Casey and Laurie on these well-deserved appointments!

There’s Still Time to Register for SAM AI 2025!

Now is the perfect time to register for the 2025 SAM AI, scheduled for July 28–30 at the Delta Colonial in Helena.  Don't miss this opportunity to connect and recharge. This year’s program features dynamic keynote speakers, pre-conference workshops, and deep-dive Focus Zone sessions covering hot topics like CTE, accreditation, special education para pathways, Indian Education for All, new leader workshop, and legislative updates. Plus, you’ll connect directly with state leaders and fellow administrators. Start your school year recharged- check out the full schedule here!

2025-26 SAM Membership Renewals are Underway

SAM memberships expired on June 30 so now is the time to renew your membership for the 2025-26 membership year!  As the "key contact" for a district, district clerks/business managers received an email with information about 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 district's membership is correct. Members not linked to a school district received an email with an invoice for their membership renewal. We encourage you to renew your membership now so you have full benefits of your membership in place without a chance of it lapsing. Contact the SAM Office with questions.

Upcoming Fall State Reporting Training Series with SSoM

The series includes the following sessions:

• Session 1 - September 5th, 2025: Mapping the Terrain
  • Calendars & Summer Enrollment Transfers
    Start your journey by charting key dates and navigating enrollment changes without getting lost in the weeds.
•  Session 2 - September 12th, 2025: Packing the Essentials
  • Courses, Rosters, CTE & More!
    Get your toolkit ready—this session equips you with everything you need to survive course setup and program reporting.
•  Session 3 - September 19th, 2025: Building Camp (and a Team) 
  • Staff & QEC Survival Skills
    From staffing setups to cracking the QEC code, this session is all about establishing a solid basecamp.
• Session 4 - September 26th, 2025: Reading the Signs ANB & Dropout/Cohort Grad Data
  • Don’t get caught off course—learn how to track attendance, spot red flags, and follow the data trail to accurate ANB and dropout reporting.
• Session 5 - October 3rd, 2025: Fueling the Fire
  • Program Participation
    Keep your reporting engine running strong by mastering program participation data—because every bit counts on this journey. 

Please complete this survey to receive your virtual link to the sessions:  https://forms.office.com/r/GzbScbV3CS