New Appointment to Montana’s Board of Public Education: Amanda Mills Steps In
In a recent announcement, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Office confirmed the appointment of Amanda Mills from Belgrade to the Montana Board of Public Education. Mills will fill a vacant spot and serve a term that extends until 2033, pending a confirmation by the Senate during the 2027 Legislative session.
The Board of Public Education, established by the 1972 Constitution, is responsible for overseeing the state’s elementary and secondary schools. This oversight includes adopting accreditation standards, certifying teachers, reviewing teacher suspensions, and distributing state equalization aid. More details on the board’s creation can be found here.
Amanda Mills currently holds the position of learning and development manager at Williams Plumbing, Heating and Civil Construction in Belgrade. Her role involves working on apprenticeship programs and workforce training initiatives, contributing to a state trades education program. Previously, she managed training and education programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs and began her career as a teacher. More about her work can be read here.
Educationally, Mills has a bachelor’s degree from Life Pacific University and a master’s degree from Chapman University. Governor Gianforte highlighted trade education as a “top priority” during his visit to Williams Plumbing in October of the previous year, underscoring its importance for student job preparedness. Read more about his visit here.
Board members serve seven-year terms, and the board’s composition is limited to having no more than four members from the same political party. The current chair is Tim Tharp from Savage, and Ron Slinger from Miles City serves as vice chair. The board also includes members Julia Maxwell (Marion), Renee Rasmussen (Clancy), Lisa Schmidt (Conrad), Hannah Nieskens (Cardwell), Lydia Comstock (Great Falls), along with Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian, and Governor Gianforte.
