Board of Public Education opens hearing on proposed 'Class 9' special education technician license

Helena — The Board of Public Education on March 6 held a recorded public hearing on a proposed new rule to create a "Class 9 special education technician" license intended to expand technical support for Montana students with disabilities.

McCall Flynn, executive director of the Board of Public Education, presided over the hearing and summarized the rule and the rulemaking process, including notice and comment procedures. "The proposed new rule will support the intent to provide a higher level of support to Montana students with disabilities," Flynn said.

Under the proposal, the Class 9 license would be valid for five years and renewable upon completion of 30 professional development units, Flynn said. She summarized applicant requirements that would be included in the rule: verification of a high school diploma, completion of online modules, documented work experience, completion of institutionally accredited college or university coursework in education, and completion of the state's "Introduction to Indian Education for All" online course.

Flynn noted that the board does not expect small businesses to be directly affected by the rule change and referenced Montana Code Annotated 2-4-302 regarding sponsor-notification requirements as not applicable in this case. She also said the notice of this hearing was published in the Montana Administrative Register (notice number 20264.1) on Feb. 6, 2026.

Members of the public were invited to make oral comments during the hearing (in person or via Zoom) and to submit written comments. Flynn instructed attendees to identify themselves and whom they represent for the record. No hands were raised for oral comment during the session; Flynn closed the public-speaking portion but said the record "does remain open until 5PM on Friday, March 6" for written submissions.

Written comments must be received or postmarked by 5 p.m. on March 6, 2026, to guarantee consideration and may be mailed to PO Box 200601, Helena, MT 59620, or emailed to bpe@mt.gov. Flynn said the Board of Public Education will consider the rule and summarized comments at its next scheduled meeting on March 19–20, 2026, in Ronan, Montana; the board will publish its summary and responses in the Montana Administrative Register as part of the MAPA rulemaking process.

The hearing was conducted under the Montana Administrative Procedures Act and the attorney general's model rules adopted by the board; the board, under state law, makes the final determination on rule adoption.