This Montana bill changes how 6th graders in accredited middle schools are funded, raising their per-student funding rate to match that of 7th and 8th graders. Currently, 6th graders receive lower elementary school funding rates while their older middle school peers receive higher high school funding rates. The legislation amends state education code sections to redefine how "basic entitlement" is calculated for districts with accredited middle schools, ensuring 6th graders are counted at the same funding level as grades 7 and 8. This change applies to all Montana school districts that operate accredited middle schools and affects the state's school funding distribution system.
This bill modifies Montana's property tax and school funding laws to lower property taxes while maintaining the current 95 school equalization mills. It establishes fixed amounts for state and county school equalization mills and vocational-technical education mills, and exempts school levies from certain tax rate limitations. The legislation also increases guaranteed tax base multipliers for 2026, adjusts reimbursement rates for school transportation, and requires the Department of Revenue and Office of Public Instruction to report on how property reappraisals affect school funding. Additionally, it updates reappraisal schedules for certain property classes and mandates that taxpayers receive information about property tax trends in annual notices.
This bill establishes a new process for adjusting Montana K-12 school funding to account for inflation, directly affecting school districts and the state education budget. It requires the superintendent of public instruction to calculate annual funding increases using a specific formula based on the consumer price index, with adjustments capped at 3% per year. The legislation also mandates regular reports comparing actual inflation rates to the funding adjustments made, ensuring future adjustments correct any discrepancies. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to align funding calculations with the state's definition of a basic system of free public schools.
This bill clarifies the Montana Legislature's authority to adjust school funding amounts for inflation in ways that differ from the standard calculation currently required by law. It directly affects the state's public school funding system by amending existing statutes to allow lawmakers to set inflationary adjustments above the standard 3% cap or use alternative calculation methods. The key provision permits the legislature to exercise its lawmaking power to provide funding increases beyond the automatic formula based on consumer price index data, while the superintendent of public instruction continues to calculate the standard inflation factor for baseline entitlements. This change ensures that the state retains flexibility in determining school funding adjustments without removing the existing automatic calculation method for baseline amounts.
This bill updates Montana's school funding laws by revising the definition of a basic system of free quality public schools and establishing new requirements for how state funding is calculated and distributed. It directly affects Montana public school districts, the state legislature, and all students by mandating that funding formulas account for specific factors such as student needs, open enrollment transfers, and student achievement growth relative to funding increases. Key provisions require the legislature to consider elements like special needs students, American Indian cultural integration, teacher retention, and transparent reporting on how additional funding improves outcomes, while also ensuring the formula includes automatic annual inflation adjustments and equitable distribution across districts. The bill aims to create a more structured and accountable approach to school funding that reflects constitutional requirements for educational equality throughout the state.
This bill directs Montana state funding to school districts to support programs for English language learners, addressing a current gap in the state's school funding formula. It provides matching state funds for districts that receive federal grants for English learner programs and establishes annual stipends for teachers with specialized certifications in English as a second language or culturally and linguistically diverse education. Teachers in high-poverty or impacted schools receive higher stipend amounts, with the state covering a significant portion of the payment while districts contribute a smaller share. The legislation appropriates $5 million for program funding and $25,000 for teacher stipends over two fiscal years, with provisions for supplemental funding if initial appropriations are insufficient.
This bill updates the laws governing Montana's School Funding Interim Commission, which studies and recommends changes to the state's public school funding formula. The commission will be formed every fifth legislative interim, with appointments due by April 1 of each year. For the 2025-2026 session, the commission must first create an Innovation and Excellence in Education Working Group to develop recommendations for improving public schools before conducting its main study. The commission consists of 22 members including legislators, education officials, and public appointees, and will issue a report with findings and potential funding formula changes to the legislature.
This bill proposes changing how Montana school districts collect their base funding by shifting from individual district levies to a single countywide levy system. Under the new system, property taxes would be collected at the county level to support school district budgets, and the amount of tuition charged to students would be adjusted to reflect this change. The legislation also updates related state laws governing how school districts use nonlevy revenue, manages guaranteed tax base aid, and defines the responsibilities of local officials like trustees and county treasurers in administering the new funding structure.
This bill authorizes Montana's Community Choice School Commission to seek and receive public funding for its operations, in addition to its existing ability to accept private donations. The legislation amends state law to clarify that the commission can obtain public funds as long as they align with the commission's purposes of supporting choice schools. It also maintains the commission's current structure, which includes seven members appointed by various state officials, and allows the commission to use private gifts for either its own operations or to distribute to authorized choice schools. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.
This bill revises Montana's public charter school laws by clarifying definitions and streamlining the application process. It requires the Office of Public Instruction to provide fiscal analysis during charter school applications and directs the Board of Public Education to limit costs while prioritizing proposals focused on personalized and proficiency-based learning. The legislation also removes the board's ability to waive statutory requirements in charter contracts and allows charter school districts to access public funding and donations through the Innovative Education Tax Credit Program. Additionally, it establishes financial obligations for a child's resident school district when serving students with disabilities through a charter school district.
