Bill > HB567

This bill aims to increase the flexibility and efficiency of school district collaborations by modifying laws related to multidistrict agreements. The legislation allows school districts to enter into more comprehensive agreements that can include full joint funding and operation of programs, and now permits these agreements to involve private entities as well. A significant new incentive is introduced for counties: school districts that establish countywide multidistrict agreements covering all districts in a county will receive a 50% increase in their total quality educator payment starting in the 2027 fiscal year. To qualify for this enhanced payment, districts must meet specific requirements, including jointly funding and operating programs, allocating at least their direct state aid to joint efforts, and collaboratively managing a wide range of educational functions such as administration, instruction, special education, transportation, and extracurricular activities. The bill emphasizes that these agreements are meant to improve educational resource sharing without increasing local taxes, and districts participating in countywide agreements can still enter into additional multidistrict or multicounty agreements. The changes become effective on July 1, 2025, providing school districts with new opportunities for collaborative and potentially more cost-effective educational service delivery.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3601