Clerk says combined clerk‑superintendent office would keep administrative duties local; curriculum oversight would be contracted

The Rosebud County public hearing on a proposed consolidation of the county superintendent of schools office with the clerk of court continued Sept. 4, with the clerk of court describing which duties she would and would not perform under a combined office.

Liz Ball, identified by the Chair as the clerk of court, said she had reviewed county code and statutes and "feel[s] like I have a good understanding of what would be expected of me and what needed to be done." Ball said she could carry out administrative responsibilities including recordkeeping, financial oversight, budgets, administering school elections, registering teacher certificates and homeschool registrations, and reporting to the Office of the Public Instruction. She added that "there are things that would have to be contracted, by statute," explaining that functions such as supervising curriculum, staff development and teacher evaluation are typically performed by school superintendents and would be handled through contracting.

A public commenter and others at the hearing discussed homeschooling numbers, local homeschool co‑op activity, and contacts with other counties that have combined offices. A commissioner voiced support for Ball, saying they had worked with her for roughly 16½ years and endorsing her competence to manage the administrative workload.

The Chair closed the hearing and said the commission will take action on the proposal Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the commissioners' office.

What this does not decide: The hearing did not adopt any ordinance or resolution at this meeting; it continued public comment and gathered information on statutory limits and operational logistics for a potential consolidation.