Montana teacher shortage ‘crisis’ escalates

Montana is facing a worsening teacher shortage “crisis” even as education officials worry that a key support to students — mental health care through the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment program — remains in limbo.

Beth Brenneman, with Disability Rights Montana, said parents of roughly 4,500 children who receive mental and behavioral health services in schools through CSCT don’t know if the program will continue, and she requested lawmakers give families assurances.

“People are panicked,” Brenneman said.

by KEILA SZPALLER Daily Montanan