Shannon O'Brien for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Democrat
By Denise Rivette
Montana Independent News posed the same four questions to all candidates in the Montana superintendent of public instruction. Democrat Shannon O’Brien’s views are presented in their entirety below.
What are the Montana values that will guide your decision-making?
First and foremost, every decision we make in the Office of Public Instruction, every day, will be to support the kids. That said, effective and competent leadership matters, regardless of the position. Strong leaders listen carefully to all people, provide a clear vision and support for their team to fulfill that vision and serve the public. Additionally, leaders need to build relationships with all others regardless of their party affiliation. I believe it’s important to build relationships of trust, find common ground and then get to work identifying the real problems and building solutions.
What skills, knowledge and experience do you possess that make you the better candidate?
I will bring my educational experience to the Office of Public Instruction. I have worked my entire career fighting for public education and have seen it through several lenses. It was a privilege to serve as the education policy advisor to Governor Bullock, so I understand state level policy and the executive branch. As a social studies teacher working with young people, I know the challenges and opportunities in the classroom. Having the opportunity to be the dean of Missoula College, I created access to two-year technical coursework and empowered people to enter the workforce ready for high-paying jobs. Currently, I represent Montana Senate District 46 and have focused on legislation to support safe schools, kindergarten readiness and addressing the teacher shortage crisis. As a proud parent to a high school student, I’ve seen first hand the amazing work that teachers do to support the next generation. We need competent leadership at the Office of Public Instruction and as state superintendent I am committed to working tirelessly for Montana’s public education system.
What are your top priorities to address during your term if you are elected?
The most pressing issue facing our public schools is adequate funding. The state funding formula has not been appropriately adjusted for years and consequently school districts are faced with increased costs and fewer resources. Teacher shortages due to low starting salaries, the lack of school counselors and nurses to help keep our students safe and the overwhelming needs for building maintenance and new technology have been neglected due to lack of resources. Additionally, our youngest children need to have the opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to learn. As Superintendent, I will do everything in my power to support teachers and families as they support each student to reach their potential.
What actions will you take to address those priorities?
First, partisan politics don’t belong in our public schools or at the Office of Public Instruction. The role of the State Superintendent is to advocate on behalf of the students, educators and families. That requires working with our districts across the state, with the state legislature, the Governor’s office and the Board of Public Education. The State Superintendent must work with the legislature and bring clarity to how policy and finances will impact learning at the local level. I have a track record of working across the aisle and across the state to set politics aside and address the real problems in the schools, especially the teacher shortage crisis. It is paramount that instruction, services and resources meet the diverse needs of our students with the goal that all students are able to learn and thrive.