Public raises concerns as Rosebud County considers combining county superintendent and clerk duties

The Rosebud County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing Aug. 19 on a proposal to combine the county superintendent of schools office with certain clerk and recorder duties, prompting sustained public comment about who would handle school‑specific responsibilities and how the change would affect local families.

At the hearing the Chair said the transition would be phased and would not take effect until Jan. 27, and that the current superintendent, Lisa, would remain for about 18 months to help with the transfer. “It's kind of a work in progress,” the Chair said, emphasizing the planned transition period.

A school board member who spoke at length pressed commissioners to clarify whether classroom observations, disciplinary investigations and formal complaints would remain handled locally or be contracted out. The commenter said outsourcing those duties “doesn't seem like a long‑term viable solution” and warned that routing appeals or grievances to a different county would frustrate local parents seeking timely redress.

Commissioner Danny and several residents asked how heavy the superintendent's workload is for homeschooling and curriculum questions. One homeschooling parent who runs a local co‑op said the superintendent currently provides records review and diploma processing for homeschoolers and that, “from where we sit, it doesn't seem like a bad idea,” but asked for more details on how services would be preserved.

Speakers also raised the fiscal rationale behind the proposal. A longtime county resident estimated that eliminating or combining positions in prior reorganizations produced roughly $25,000–$35,000 in savings, and requested a clear long‑range financial plan. Officials acknowledged revenue pressures tied to reduced energy and mining receipts but did not present a public multi‑year savings plan during the hearing.

Several former educators and district stakeholders urged the board to delay final action until the incumbent superintendent could appear and answer detailed questions about day‑to‑day duties. The Chair scheduled a continuation of the hearing for Sept. 4 at 4:30 p.m. and said no action would be taken before that date.

What happens next: The commissioners welcome additional public comment before the Sept. 4 continuation; the board has not yet finalized the contract terms or any staffing, salary or deputy‑pay adjustments tied to a combined office.