Bill > HB654

This bill aims to increase access to early literacy targeted intervention programs by making several key changes to education funding and enrollment calculations. The legislation allows school districts to include children participating in classroom-based early literacy programs in their Average Number Belonging (ANB) count, even if these programs are provided through partnerships with community organizations, as long as the district's school board supervises the program and district teachers conduct the instruction. The bill establishes a temporary Early Literacy Targeted Intervention Boost Grant Program that will provide school districts with $1,000 for each additional student enrolled in these programs during the 2025-2027 biennium. To support this initiative, the state will appropriate $2 million from the school facility and technology account, which districts must use for classroom modifications or curriculum purchases related to expanding their early literacy intervention programs. The grants are designed to help districts expand these critical educational services without increasing local tax burden, with the ultimate goal of improving early literacy outcomes for students. The program will be in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, providing a time-limited opportunity for districts to enhance their early literacy interventions.

Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1610