Montana Legislature Considers Teacher Bill of Rights and Education Funding
Montana’s education system faces critical issues as the state legislature prepares to convene. Key concerns include whether Montana teachers need their own bill of rights, the ongoing struggle with starting teacher pay, and funding for English Language Learners (ELL). Democratic representatives outlined their educational priorities in a news conference, while Republican lawmakers identified significant topics for debate.
Rep. Connie Keogh, a Democrat from Missoula, highlighted the importance of a mandated school funding study, occurring every fifth interim. The study involves a decennial commission of lawmakers and public members assessing Montana’s education needs and costs, as detailed in a Legislative Services Division report. The commission proposes necessary changes.
Both parties prioritize increasing starting teacher salaries. A June 2024 report revealed the Office of Public Instruction mishandled a program to enhance teacher pay under the 2023 TEACH Act, with only half of school districts utilizing it in the 2025 fiscal year.
Rep. David Bedey, a Republican from Hamilton, anticipates a significant legislative focus on teacher pay. He expects the Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success (STARS) Act, led by Rep. Llew Jones, to address inflation gaps in education. Sen. John Fuller, a Republican from Kalispell, predicts swift discussions on starting pay in the session’s opening weeks.
Rep. Keogh sees the STARS Act as a promising start but notes it primarily benefits less-paid teachers. She also advocates for ELL funding, emphasizing Montana’s reliance on Title III funds, which EducationWeek describes as “supplemental services for English learners.” Title III funds, however, fall short of meeting needs, according to Keogh.
Democratic Rep. Melissa Romano from Helena plans to focus on K-12 funding, student and teacher support, and educator retention. She supports Rep. Eric Matthews’ initiative for a teacher bill of rights to protect educators from misconduct.
In 2023, lawmakers expanded public charter schools, prompting budget considerations for sustainability. The upcoming session, with a Republican majority but no supermajority, will also address public school funding, as mandated by the Montana Constitution. Questions remain about funding sources, particularly the balance between property and income taxes.
Residential taxpayers face increasing property tax burdens, with their share rising from 45% in 2015 to 59% recently. Gov. Greg Gianforte’s property tax task force explored solutions, and the upcoming legislature will consider proposals to equalize taxes between districts, adjust levy election requirements, and other recommendations.
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