Superintendent of Schools

The Superintendent’s office operates within a set of legal rules and regulations which affect the entire processes of public schools. The Superintendent has access to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) for the implementation and interpretation of any rules.

The Liberty County Superintendent's position is part time so please call or email in advance to make an appointment.

Superintendent's Duties

ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS

Of primary concern to taxpayers, and to the operation of each school district, is the annual budgeting process. This office reviews the district levy requirements for each fund that is included in each district’s final budget. in filing the final budgets and reporting the approved computations to the County Commissioners, the county levies are usually signed the last Monday in August. The signed budgets are then processed at the Office of Public Instruction in Helena.

Inclusive in the levy process is the computation of district needs for elementary and high school transportation, elementary retirement and high school retirements. This process usually begins in March and the culmination of this project is with the signing of the budgets. Each month thereafter, distributions are made to each district for their portion of the required transportation and retirements funds. The retirement obligations are compiled by each separate district and forwarded to this office in calculating the mills.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

A county transportation committee meets annually to approve/amend each of the routes for each school district. Route changes during the school year must also be approved by this committee. The committee consists of a representative from each district, a county commissioner, and the county superintendent who serves as chairperson. Individual pupil transportation contracts are also included in these calculations. Mileage, days of use, and bus capacity of each route are essential in determining the funding requests of each district. Reimbursements consist of matched amounts between the county and the state. These monthly payments are adjusted and distributed through this office.

HOME SCHOOL

Montana state law requires that homeschooling parents notify the county superintendent of schools annually of their intention to homeschool their children.

Certifications

Teacher Certification

Certificates for each year are registered and monitored by the Superintendent’s office.

Bus Certification

Certificates for each year are registered and monitored by the Superintendent’s office.