OPI Response to Arntzen Citation for Passing Stopped School Bus

KGVO News reached out to Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen after the Montana Free Press reported that a truck registered to her husband and driven by Ms. Arntzen allegedly passed a stopped school bus with flashing lights and children loading.

OPI spokesman Brian O’Leary provided this official statement regarding the incident.

‘We were informed that a citation would be issued, even though we have not been able to view the video in question,’ the statement said. ‘We were also informed that the video does not show the license plate of the vehicle involved. That being said, Superintendent Arntzen would like to thank the bus driver for his vigilance. This is a good reminder for all of us to slow down from life’s daily distractions, and to pay extra careful attention, especially as we enter the busy summer season.’

O’Leary said Arntzen is traveling to Great Falls on Friday to attend a ‘Celebration of Success at the College and Career Readiness Center.’

Get our free mobile app

The report from the Montana Free Press stated that the bus driver recognized the truck and that Ms. Arntzen was driving. The report also states that the bus driver did record the vehicle’s license number.

The report stated that a citation will be issued to Arntzen.

Arntzen is in her second and final term as Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, and has appeared often on KGVO Radio, including an interview this week as she responded to the tragic elementary school shooting in Texas and new accreditation standards.