Montana

Montana shifted educational funding during 2020 to face challenges associated with COVID-19. Priorities included improved technology across the entire state, child-care support for families impacted by COVID-19, and an increased focus on higher education. Additionally, Montana is currently in the midst of a tight gubernatorial election race, which has the potential to shape P-12 and higher education for many years to come.

Funding priorities for p-12 and/or higher education

While Governor Steve Bullock (D) finished his final term, two candidates, current Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney (D) and Greg Gianforte (R) are embattled in a tight race that many were calling too close to call.¹ Inevitably, Gianforte won the election and has prioritized increasing public school teacher pay over all other educational issues, promising that would be his first educational priority.²

COVID-19 Educational Funding

Governor Bullock committed $125 million to public education and early childhood and family support through funds received through the CARES Act in July and August 2020. Bullock's largest single expenditure was to allocate $10 million for transportation to allow for social distancing on transportation.³ $65 million was allocated equitably to school districts, based on each district's ANB, roughly amounting to $418.50 per ANB.⁴ It was explicitly stated that each district must fill out a certification form⁵ stating that the funding would be used specifically for COVID-19 expenses. Bullock also allocated $50 million to child-care providers and early childhood education programs focused on primary aged children.⁶

Technology Education and Distance Learning

While distance learning and increased access to technology have recently been a major education priority in Montana, COVID-19 further exacerbated the need for targeted technology support across public education. School districts have committed to providing face-to-face, hybrid, or online learning for students for the 2020-2021 school year⁷, however, access continues to be a challenge for rural students, with many regions having limited to no access to Internet or cellular telephone services.⁸ To supplement the challenges associated with providing both access to online learning and reliable bandwidth, Montana PBS is providing a free Learn at Home Curriculum aligned with Montana State School Standards from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM from September 8^th through December 18^th, 2020. This initiative is being funded by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.⁹

Pressing state issues affecting p-12 and/or higher education

State Higher Education Funding

While the state higher education system in Montana has faced challenges in recent years, Tyler Trevor, deputy commissioner for budget and planning with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, noted that the Montana University System was in a strong position, thanks to previous precautions taken from the onset of COVID-19, which included a hiring freeze. For 2020-2021, the Montana University System committed to a $1.5 billion budget.¹⁰ A continued focus throughout Montana is the success of first-generation college students, and Montana State University recently received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education specifically focused on support for first generation students.¹¹

Changes to the funding formula for p-12 and higher education

Montana operates biennially for budgeting and school funding. The 2019 Legislative Session was where specific budget items were discussed for both higher education and P-12 education. The primary bill that passed was HB159, a $77 million funding package for Montana Public Schools, which supported a 1.83 percent funding increase for 2020-2021.¹²

Total dollar amount for montana per-pupil expenditure

HB159, which passed on February 27, 2019, established the following base student allocation beginning FY 2020. For a high school district or a K-12 district high school program, a maximum rate of $7,201 per student for FY 2020 and $7,333 for FY 2021 was established. For an elementary school district or a K-12 district elementary program without an approved and accredited junior high school, 7^th and 8^th grade program, or middle school, a maximum rate of $5,624 for FY 2020 and $5...