Bill > SB215

This bill revises the definition of Montana's "basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools" by expanding the existing definition to include several new provisions focused on educational flexibility, accountability, and student achievement. The bill adds requirements for a statewide public school open enrollment program that allows students to transfer between public schools at no cost, mandates tracking student achievement growth in relation to funding increases, and emphasizes transparency in how school districts spend additional per-student funding. The legislation also modifies the school funding formula to include new considerations such as students' ability to transfer between schools, the correlation between funding increases and student achievement, and creating a funding mechanism that is easy for taxpayers to understand. Additionally, the bill requires the legislature to develop a funding approach that allocates resources using a per-student amount with weights that account for different student needs, ensures funding follows students who participate in open enrollment, uses current-year enrollment counts, and maintains transparency. The goal is to provide more equitable, flexible, and accountable public school funding while preserving local control of school districts and guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for all Montana students.

Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0964