Ballotpedia: Sharyl Allen

Montana public instruction candidate has mysterious, controversial work history

As of April 10, 2024, Sharyl Allen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

School Facilities & Resources

Believes that Christian principles and morals should be integrated into the curriculum and claims this can be done without violating the separation of church and state.

Believes "citizenship and civics" should be taught in every classroom.

- Believes that Christian principles and morals should be integrated into the curriculum and claims this can be done without violating the separation of church and state.
- Believes "citizenship and civics" should be taught in every classroom.

School Curriculum

Aims to "teach our children their true identity as a child of God."

Opposes "the false philosophies of men and women that undermine parental rights."

- Aims to "teach our children their true identity as a child of God."
- Opposes "the false philosophies of men and women that undermine parental rights."

Student Wellbeing

Teachers

Access to Education

Montana superintendent candidate Sharyl Allen charged with obstruction

Is currently being charged with obstruction for obstructing a criminal investigation on April 22 by “unlawfully preventing” agents from the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations from interviewing students who are potential crime victims. While being investigated, she invoked her relationship with the Montana Attorney General, who condemned the behavior as inappropriate.

Resigned from Conrad Public School District a year before her contract expired after the failed implementation of a self-paced learning program in 2019.

Was terminated from her position as superintendent of the Grand Canyon School by unanimous vote from their governing board in 2013. This was following a No Confidence petition with more than 70 signatures, citing concerns of high stuff turnover, poor student performance, poor communication, incomplete curriculum, lack of accountability for payroll/tax errors, poor management of facilities and resources, and disregard for the separation of church and state.

Resigned as the superintendent of Mingus Union High School District in Arizona 2 years before her contract ended after questions surrounding her spending and hiring practices in 2007.

- Is currently being charged with obstruction for obstructing a criminal investigation on April 22 by “unlawfully preventing” agents from the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations from interviewing students who are potential crime victims. While being investigated, she invoked her relationship with the Montana Attorney General, who condemned the behavior as inappropriate.
- Resigned from Conrad Public School District a year before her contract expired after the failed implementation of a self-paced learning program in 2019.
- Was terminated from her position as superintendent of the Grand Canyon School by unanimous vote from their governing board in 2013. This was following a No Confidence petition with more than 70 signatures, citing concerns of high stuff turnover, poor student performance, poor communication, incomplete curriculum, lack of accountability for payroll/tax errors, poor management of facilities and resources, and disregard for the separation of church and state.
- Resigned as the superintendent of Mingus Union High School District in Arizona 2 years before her contract ended after questions surrounding her spending and hiring practices in 2007.

Ethics & Conduct

LinkedIn

Twitter

Facebook

Sharyl Allen

As of April 10, 2024, Susie Hedalen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

MEET MONTANA OPI SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE SUSIE HEDALEN

Candidate website

Believes students need to spend at least an hour and a half on reading and literacy in the mornings in order to be on a trajectory to read by third grade.

Wants to bring education "back to the basics."

Supports cursive writing curriculums and programs.

Supports prioritizing basic education, student and parent interests, and ensuring Montana schools are safe, free from fear, intimidation, and political ideologies, while advocating for parental involvement and transparency in children's education.

Said, "Parents are the primary stakeholders in their children's education; their voices must be heard and respected, and they deserve to know that their children are safe in Montana's schools, safe to learn in environments free from fear, intimidation, and political ideologies."

- Believes students need to spend at least an hour and a half on reading and literacy in the mornings in order to be on a trajectory to read by third grade.
- Wants to bring education "back to the basics."
- Supports cursive writing curriculums and programs.
- Said, "Parents are the primary stakeholders in their children's education; their voices must be heard and respected, and they deserve to know that their children are safe in Montana's schools, safe to learn in environments free from fear, intimidation, and political ideologies."

Plans to introduce threat assessment training, work with local communities to implement security protocols, and partner with law enforcement.

Wants to address the mental health needs of students.

Said, “Ensuring school safety is one of my top priorities. I will work hard to see that school safety measures are put in place to protect our students and teachers.”

- Plans to introduce threat assessment training, work with local communities to implement security protocols, and partner with law enforcement.
- Wants to address the mental health needs of students.
- Said, “Ensuring school safety is one of my top priorities. I will work hard to see that school safety measures are put in place to protect our students and teachers.”

Instagram

Susie Hedalen

- The Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees the K-12 public education system.
- The Superintendent has a broad range of duties, including general supervision over public schools and school districts. This encompasses school finance, educational law, teacher certification, school accreditation, learning assessments, and the administration of federally funded educational programs.
- Additionally, the Superintendent serves on several important boards, including the Land Board, the State Library Commission, the Board of Public Education, and the Board of Regents for the University System, contributing to policies that affect educational and resource management across the state.