
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
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Lisa Blevins
Rosebud County Superintendent

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
2025 MACSS Teacher of the Year
Seth Coombe
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Seth Coombe, the 2025 Montana Rural Teacher of the Year, is a passionate educator and community leader representing Cardwell School in Jefferson County. Seth began her teaching career 19 years ago, with eight years in special education before transitioning to kindergarten, where she has taught for the past 11 years. She also serves as the supervising teacher at Cardwell, helping guide and support future educators. A graduate of the University of Montana Western, Seth earned her bachelor's degree in education with a reading specialization and later completed a minor in special education while teaching full time. Outside the classroom, Seth is deeply involved in her community, coaching local sports teams, organizing youth programs, and supporting exchange student initiatives. She and her husband, Michael, have been married for 21 years and have four children and two grandsons. Seth is a dedicated teacher, mentor, and role model whose commitment to lifelong learning and service continues to inspire those around her. Congratulations Seth!
Montana Rural Teachers of the Year
Seth Coombe
Important Documents
Click to Download
Programs
Meeting the Needs of Montana's Small Schools

