Governor announces new state Board of Public Education member

Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Office announced on Friday morning Belgrade’s Amanda Mills has been appointed to a vacant spot on the state Board of Public Education for a term that ends in 2033.

The position will require senate confirmation during the 2027 Legislative session. Created by the 1972 Constitution, the board exercises, “general supervision over the elementary and secondary schools of the state.” The Board of Education has other responsibilities too, including adopting accreditation standards, certifies teachers, considers teacher suspensions and distributes state equalization aid.

Mills is the learning and development manager for Williams Plumbing, Heating and Civil Construction in Belgrade, and works on apprenticeship programs and workforce training initiatives as part of a state trades education program, a press release announcing her appointment said. She previously worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs running training and education programs and began her career as a teacher, the press release said.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Life Pacific University and a master’s from Chapman University. The Governor visited Williams Plumbing in October of last year, saying trades education was a “top priority” in preparing students for future jobs.

Board members are on seven year terms and only four can be associated with the same political party. Tim Tharp of Savage currently chairs the board and the vice chair is Ron Slinger of Miles City. It’s other members include Julia Maxwell (Marion), Renee Rasmussen (Clancy), Lisa Schmidt (Conrad), Hannah Nieskens (Cardwell), Lydia Comstock (Great Falls), Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian and Gianforte.