Supporters

"After spending many hours working with Sandy Welch on bills and concepts to improve student education opportunities in Montana, I am convinced she has the talent, drive and most importantly, the vision, to truly enhance the educational opportunities for Montana students as the next Superintendent of Public Instruction.  I will work hard in Sandy’s corner because her vision for  education is the best gift I can give Montana’s children, including my grandchildren." - State Senator Llew Jones

"Sandy Welch has the experience, expertise and background we need at OPI.  She worked with us this last legislative session and did an outstanding job.  She has been in the educational trenches for years and knows what needs to be done to help our students succeed." -State Representative Jesse O'Hara

 “I enthusiastically endorse Sandy Welch for Superintendent of Schools. Sandy brings great energy and a commitment to put kids learning first. Sandy has the Bio and intellect to lead the Montana education establishment. Montana needs Sandy’s leadership to make our schools world class.” -State Senator Bruce Tutvedt

“The Land Board's decision to open the Otter Creek tracts for development was good news to all of us. I know Sandy Welch will vote for the good of schools and the general taxpayers of the state to increase opportunities for resource development in Montana. She will be a different voice than the 'no' of the present superintendent and attorney general!”- Former State Representative Dee Brown, Hungry Horse

“Hello, my name is Kate Wyatt and I've known Sandy Welch for 20 years.  When I first met Sandy, she was "Ms. Gagne" and my math teacher.  I was a sophomore in high school and thought I knew it all.  She taught all different levels of math at the time, and I signed up for the pre-algebra course (I'd already taken four years in a row) and thought to myself "easy A".  As the semester rolled on, and my thoughts in class drifted to boys and parties for that hour each day, I found myself lost in the curriculum and my grade was slipping fast.  Ms. Gagne, noticing a change, asked me to stay after class.  She then explained how I was failing.  The look on my face must have said quite a lot, because then she said, "You've left me no choice but to fail you.  You get that right?"  This was my first, and thankfully, the last lesson I needed in accountability.  She was right, like usual.  She hadn't failed me, I had failed myself.  And as we talked I found myself listening to her with such awe.  No teacher I had ever met talked to me like I was a person, instead of just a student.  I was baffled.  By the end of the semester, I still received an F.  I remember leaving the class and waving bye to one of my favorite teachers of all time, she gave me a knowing look, a nod, and a smile.  I couldn't help myself, I grinned back and asked her to sign my yearbook.

Over the years, I've gotten to know Sandy as more than just a teacher and I am proud to call her a friend.  Her enthusiasms for life, learning, and exploring are infectious.  I am not a big gambler nor am I politically savvy, but I would bet on her in any political ring she chooses to throw her hat into. She's smarter than me, obviously, but she's also smarter than most people I meet.  I trust her judgment, her values, and most of all I trust her commitment to anything she sets her mind to.  Sandy is the role model I needed 20 years ago, she's the woman I still look up to today, and she'll be the example I need 20 years from now.  I am happy to support Sandy Welch in any endeavor, and that I don't mind being held accountable for, either.  Thank you.” - Kate Wyatt, Former Student

"Sandy's experience as an actuary, math teacher, and high school principal who led a comprehensive school reform effort enable her to see education from an experienced educator's eyes. Sandy was the high school principal when my children were in school. She was a strong student advocate, pursued excellence, and held people accountable for meeting standards. She worked with people - focusing on staff development, use of data, and developing understanding of the change process"  - Andrea Johnson, Superintendent, Townsend, MT

Other Supporters:

Senate President Jim Peterson

House Speaker Mike Milburn

Senator Chas Vincent

Joy Struble

Michele Reese

Representative Jana Taylor

Former County Commissioner Gary Hall

Caroline Solomon

John Fuller

Julie Berry

Senator Ron Arthun

Senator Debby Barrett

Senator John Brendan

Senator Taylor Brown

Senator Ed Buttrey

Senator Bob Lake

Senator Eric Moore

Senator Carmine Mowbray

Senator Alan Olson

Representative Mike Cuffe

Representative Champ Edmunds

Jon Greenspon

Senator Terry Murphy