Montana Superintendent Newsletter Guide

Montana superintendents lead districts in a state of remarkable geographic scale and cultural diversity, from Billings suburbs to remote reservation schools to tiny mountain community districts. Superintendent communication that acknowledges this diversity and reaches every family regardless of location is both a logistical achievement and a statement about community values.

Report Smarter Balanced results with context

Montana uses the Smarter Balanced assessments. Superintendent newsletters that report district results with year-over-year comparison and a description of the district's response give families accurate information about student academic performance and what the district is investing to improve.

Communicate about Indian Education for All

Montana's Indian Education for All law is a meaningful cultural and educational commitment. Superintendent newsletters that describe how the district implements Indian Education for All, what curriculum is used, and how the school community engages with Native perspectives, demonstrate that the district takes the law's intent seriously rather than treating it as a compliance exercise.

Address the geographic reality of Montana school communities

Montana's scale means that many school communities are physically isolated. Superintendent newsletters that acknowledge this reality and describe how the district maintains community connection across distance, build trust with families who might otherwise feel disconnected from district decision-making.

Communicate about teacher staffing honestly

Montana's teacher recruitment challenges are real and affect families directly. Superintendent newsletters that address staffing with honesty, describe what the district is doing to recruit and retain teachers, and acknowledge community support as a factor in teacher retention, build understanding rather than anxiety.

Reflect Montana community values

Montana communities value independence, local governance, outdoor culture, and community connection. Superintendent newsletters that reflect these values, celebrate local student achievements, and use a voice that fits the community rather than formal institutional language, build deeper trust.

Sample excerpt

"Our Smarter Balanced results are in. In ELA, 55% of our students scored at Level 3 or above, compared to 52% last year and the state average of 56%. In math, 47% scored at Level 3 or above. Our Indian Education for All curriculum is in its third year. This fall, we are expanding Native author units in our secondary English classes and adding a tribal history component to our fourth-grade social studies program. We are grateful to the tribal education department for partnering with us on this work."

Daystage delivers superintendent newsletters to every family inbox in Montana districts, bringing consistent, honest communication to every family regardless of how remote their community is.