Committee unanimously concurs in three governor nominees to Board of Public Education

The Senate Education Committee unanimously concurred in three governor-appointed nominees to the Montana Board of Public Education after hearing testimony from the governor’s education advisor, nominees and local supporters.

Senate Resolutions 31, 32 and 53 recommend confirmation of Hannah Neaskins (Cardwell), Julia Maxwell (Marion) and Lisa Schmidt (Conrad) respectively. Dylan Clapmeier, the governor’s education policy advisor, summarized the board’s constitutional role and described the nominees’ backgrounds: Neaskins as a long-serving educator and superintendent (Whitehall), Maxwell as a rural superintendent and former classroom teacher, and Schmidt as a businessperson with local education service experience.

Each nominee spoke. Neaskins detailed her 25 years in education and priorities on accreditation, teacher recruitment and reducing reporting burdens. Maxwell described rural leadership and recruiting opportunities for small schools; her children also spoke briefly in support. Schmidt testified that her business background would bring outside perspective and advocated paying teachers as a priority.

Committee action and disposition

Each resolution was moved and passed by voice vote; absent senators’ proxy “I” votes were recorded for those not present. The chair announced unanimous concurrence on each nomination.

Why it matters: The Board of Public Education sets state content standards, educator licensure and accreditation frameworks that shape K–12 policy and teacher quality across Montana. New members influence licensure policy, accreditation standards and regulations affecting classroom practice and educator pipelines.

Sources: Committee hearing and executive-action transcript; testimony from governor’s advisor and nominees.