P.O. Box 202501 • Helena, MT 59620-2501
Putting Montana Students First
Educational policy affects all of our Montana students and families. This is a transparent portal for all educational updates offered to legislators, parents, and families.
To our legislators: Remember families are the foundation of learning as our parents are the first teachers. Our Montana students are our most precious resource and the future of this great state. Thank you for putting our Montana students and families first as you reflect on educational policies during the session.
You can find the Montana Legislature Bill Explorer HERE.
The total BASE aid to be distributed to school districts is estimated to be $1,039.444 billion in FY 2026 and $1,097.861 billion in FY 2027. BASE Aid is funded first by the guarantee account and second from the school equalization and property tax reduction account (SEPTR) with the balance funded from the state general fund. Funding increases are predominantly driven by changes to ANB and inflation of 3.00% in FY 2026 and 3.00% in FY 2027 as required by section §20-9-326, MCA.
Component
FY 2026
FY2027
Biennium
Direct State Aid
$9,590,096
$23,054,581
$32,644,677
Special Education Payment
$358,330
$1,784,654
$2,142,984
GTB - School General Fund
($8,965,645)
$5,056,934
($3,908,711)
GTB - School Retirement
$6,975,206
$34,585,154
$41,560,360
Quality Educator
$871,424
$2,440,110
$3,311,534
Indian Ed for All
$55,093
$146,140
$201,233
Close Achievement Gap
$143,042
$289,230
$432,272
Data for Achievement
$53,504
$140,903
$194,407
State Audit Fees
$15,000
$30,000
Total
$9,096,052
$67,512,705
$76,608,757
Ensure that meetings and records of education membership organizations and associations are open to public.
Allow students the freedom to utilize volunteer chaplains in school through a school board adopted policy for mental health support and other purposes. Require parental notification and permission.
2025 Session Preparation
2025 Committees
2025 OPI Resources
Legislative Implementation
OPI Navigator
68th Legislative Session Summary
Gavel Newsletter
Interim Committee Information
2024 Interim Information
Legislator Awards
These documents were prepared by the Office of Public Instruction for the 2024 Constitutional Players Convening. You can find out more about the meeting agenda or view the recorded meeting here.
These reports were prepared by the Office of Public Instruction in accordance to statute.
The discussions times and topics are:
Recording | Meeting Agenda | Comparison of Charter School Bills
Recording | Meeting Agenda | Legislation Summary
Recording | Meeting Agenda | Legislation Summary HB 676 | SB 518
Recording | Meeting Agenda | HB 338 IEFA
IEFA Funding & Reporting Guide | IEFA Reduction PDF
IEFA Funding Reduction for BPE
Please use this Link | Recording | Meeting Agenda | Legislation Presentation
Please Use this Link | Agenda | Recording
Please visit the Budget & Education Working Group page for meeting details, recordings & links.
Please visit the Budget & Education Working Group page for meeting details, recordings, & links.
Join each meeting here
Representative Jodee Etchart Bilings, MT
Representative Sue Vinton Billings, MT
Representative Mike Hopkins Missoula, MT
Representative DAvid Bedey Hamilton, MT
Representative Jedediah Hinkle Belgrade, MT
Senator Fuller Kalispell, MT
Representative Windy Boy Box Elder, MT
Senator Theresa Manzella Hamilton, MT
Representative Bob Keenan Bigfork, MT
Representative Seekins-Crowe Billings, MT
Representative Naarah Hastings Billings, MT
Representative Fred Anderson Great Falls, MT
Representative Marta Bertoglio Clancy, MT
Representative Shannon O'Brien Missoula, MT
Representative Braxton Mitchell Great Falls, MT
Representative Greg Kmetz Miles City, MT
Representative Bob Phalen Lindsay, MT
Representative Greg Oblander Billings, MT
Representative Becky Beard Elliston, MT
68th Legislative Transmittal Packet 68th End-of-Session Wrap-Up
1. A Promise is a Promise: Base Aid requirements to fund Public Schools.
2. Teacher Dollars Working for Teachers: Teacher Licensing fees supporting the teacher licensing system.
3. Updating Audiology Equipment: One-time-only funding.
4. Student Mental Health: Amending mental health tuition payments to allow tuition for any residential mental health.
Click to view the 2023 Session Calendar
Agenda
Related Materials:
Agenda | Recording
Tribal Youth Summit Review
Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison, 406-444-2082
Meet the Superintendent's Executive Staff
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