
Montana Small Schools Alliance
Helping rural school districts meet state and federal standards in educationally sound ways.
Created in 1996 by the University of Montana-Western, Rural Education Center, Montana State University-
Bozeman, Montana Department of Education, The Montana Association of County School Superintendents, and The Montana School Boards Association.
Board Members and Staff

Janelle Beers
Executive Director

Carolyn Hall, Board Chair
Lake County Superintendent of
Schools

Katrina Chaney
Lewis and Clark County Superintendent of Schools, MACCS President

Dr. Jayne Downey
Education Department MSU-Bozeman, NREA Executive Committee

Dr. Katrina Kennett
University of Montana Western Education Faculty, MSSA Board

Krystal Zentner
Montana School Boards Association

Erin Lipkind
Missoula County Superintendent of Schools, Library Standards Specialist

Laurie Bartoletti
Counseling Specialist

Linda Sunderlin
MSSA Office Manager
NREA Hall of Fame

Dr. Claudette Morton
NREA Hall of Fame 2016

Jules Waber
NREA Hall of Fame 2019
2024 MACSS Teacher of the Year
Jamie Matthew

Jamie Matthew is the 2024 Rural Teacher of the Year, representing Swan Valley Elementary School in Missoula County. Born and raised in Seeley Lake, Montana, Jamie has been part of Swan Valley Elementary since she started volunteering in 2013. Hired as a Special Education Paraprofessional in 2013, Jamie went on to start her Bachelor of Education degree in 2017. Jamie completed her K-8 Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor's Degree in 2019, finishing a four year program in a year and a half while teaching full time. Jamie is a school leader who believes in an open learning environment and goes above and beyond to ensure that each of her students receives the support and guidance they need to thrive academically and personally. Congratulations Jamie!
Montana Rural Teachers of the Year
Important Documents
Click to Download
Programs
Meeting the Needs of Montana's Small Schools
























