Shannon O'Brien (Montana)

O'Brien is married and has one child, She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington, a master's degree from Gonzaga University, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Montana.

Shannon has previously worked as a classroom teacher, school administrator, and the Dean of Missoula College.

Shannon O'Brien has served as Governor Bullock’s education policy advisor and is currently a state legislative leader in education committees.

As of June 13, 2025, Shannon O'Brien’s website did not contain information on this issue.

School Facilities & Resources

School Curriculum

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Shannon is the mother of a high-schooler and understands that parents want safe and secure schools... She has fought her entire career to make sure that every student has a fair shot at a quality education."

Has "fought her entire career to make sure that every student has a fair shot at a quality education."

- Has "fought her entire career to make sure that every student has a fair shot at a quality education."

Student Wellbeing

SEN. SHANNON O'BRIEN (D) - SD46

Sponsored Senate Bill 457, which would have "revised capital gains tax law to fund teacher salary increases."

- Sponsored Senate Bill 457, which would have "revised capital gains tax law to fund teacher salary increases."

Teachers

Wants to increase funding into "high quality pre-school/early learning."

- Wants to increase funding into "high quality pre-school/early learning."

Access to Education

Twitter

Instagram

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LinkedIn

Youtube

Shannon O'Brien

Susie graduated from Montana State University, Bozeman, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and a certificate in Native American Studies. She lives with her husband in Townsend.

Susie previously worked as the Deputy Superintendent for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, the principal of  Winans Elementary in Livingston School District,  an educator at Helena School District No 1, superintendent and principal of Grass Range School District, a field supervisor at Montana State University, and a paralegal at Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry, & Hoven P.C.

Susie Hedalen has been the Superintendent of Townsend School District for the past three years.

As of June 13, 2025, Susie Hedalen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

MEET MONTANA OPI SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE SUSIE HEDALEN

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.”

Ethics & Conduct

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.

Oversees the K-12 public education system in the state

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction

Election results

Candidates (2)