Article Summary –
Sharyl Allen, a former deputy to current Republican state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and a candidate in the 2024 election, has been arrested on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a peace officer. The charge is related to a state investigation into alleged misconduct by a teacher at Harrison Public School, where Allen was district superintendent. Allen, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge, allegedly prevented officers from interviewing students who had been identified as potential victims, and insisted on the need for parental consent before any interviews could take place.
Recent updates have emerged regarding the arrest of Sharyl Allen, a former deputy to current Republican state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and a 2024 election candidate. Allen is set to appear on the June 4 Republican primary ballot opposite rival Susie Hedalen. She faces a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a peace officer in Madison County, related to a state investigation into alleged misconduct by a Harrison Public School teacher.
- On April 15, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office started an investigation into a Harrison Public School teacher’s alleged threats and other criminal acts involving students. The state Division of Criminal Investigation joined the case on April 17, with allegations involving potential sexual misconduct.
- On April 22, Allen supposedly hindered officers from interviewing potential student victims, stating they needed parental consent first. The attorney general criticized her claim of having a working relationship with him as “inappropriate.”
- On April 30, Allen pleaded not guilty to the obstruction charge. Her campaign described her actions as a “bold stand for parental rights and student protection.”
Minutes from Harrison School District Board of Trustees meetings indicate Allen’s contract was set to expire June 30, and trustees had approved her resignation. It was noted that Allen had reduced her time at the school for the remainder of the year and is now on paid administrative leave.
In response to queries about the ongoing case, Hedalen stated her focus is on winning the primary election and serving Montana students, teachers, and families.
Allen declined to further comment on the developments. As of Thursday, the investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations at Harrison Public School is still ongoing.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction confirmed that the teacher under investigation was hired at Harrison on Jan. 12 and terminated on April 17. The teacher did not have a state educator license or an emergency employment authorization and had not previously been employed in Montana’s K-12 system.
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