Arntzen wins 2nd term as state superintendent of public instruction

(KPAX) Republican Elsie Arntzen defeated Democrat Melissa Romano Tuesday in a rematch of the 2016 superintendent race.

Melissa Romano conceded the race Wednesday morning. Arntzen lead Romano by 52 percent to 48 percent, with 94 percent of the ballots counted.

Arntzen worked as a teacher for more than 20 years and served as a state legislator from Billings.

She has served as superintendent since 2017.

Romano is a Helena area teacher. She was named Montana’s state Teacher of the Year for 2018.

In a statement, Romano said, "I first want to extend a huge thanks to everyone who believed in this campaign - many of you have been with us for the last five years, and your support means the world to me.

"This campaign was about giving a voice to Montana families who believe in quality public education. I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish. Montanans are demanding more of my opponent, and I hope she takes our message to heart.”