Shannon O’Brien sits at a table, wearing circular glasses and a green name tag shaped like a shamrock. She is deeply engaged in conversation with a group of public school teachers at a local coffee shop in Missoula. O’Brien, a state senator running for Montana’s education agency, is known for her advocacy for public education.
She believes her background as a state senator, education policy advisor, and Dean of Missoula College will help her bridge the gap between legislators and educators. O’Brien is running uncontested in the Democratic primary for OPI superintendent.
Her campaign focuses on the importance of understanding the challenges faced by teachers and advocating for their needs. O’Brien aims to rebuild trust within OPI and support those fighting for public education.
If elected, O’Brien plans to work on issues such as teacher recruitment, kindergarten readiness, and advocating for more funding for public education. She also emphasizes the need to protect public education from privatization.
O’Brien believes that the superintendent’s primary role is to support teachers, students, and the community. She hopes to bring a fresh perspective to OPI and address the challenges faced by Montana’s public education system.
