Article Summary –
Montana’s large school districts are facing budget shortfalls due to the school funding formula not keeping pace with inflation. The state superintendent of public education could play a significant role in advocating for additional funds for K-12 education, as the current per-student payments are adjusted for inflation at a rate of 3% per year, while consumer inflation has been higher. The candidates for the state superintendent position have different views on how to address these issues, with one advocating for a review of the school funding formula, another proposing a simplified and transparent system, and the third proposing an updated formula and an increase in the 3% inflationary cap.
Montana’s School Funding Issues and Proposed Solutions
Large school districts in Montana are grappling with budget shortfalls, with many leaders arguing that the state’s school funding formula hasn’t kept pace with inflation. School funding is likely to be a significant talking point in the upcoming Montana Legislature session.
With the incumbent state Superintendent of Public Education, Elsie Arntzen, termed out, it’s up to the voters to choose her successor. The new superintendent could play a vital role in advocating for increased state funding for K-12 education or alternatively, support those advocating for better utilization of existing funds.
A key debate will be over legislative practice of adjusting per-student payments, a crucial component of the state’s school funding formula, at a rate of 3% a year. With consumer inflation exceeding this rate, this decision has become a point of contention among lawmakers and school officials.
As part of the 2024 Election Guide project, Montana Free Press questioned three superintendent candidates on their stance concerning the state’s school funding formula. Here are their responses.
WHAT WE ASKED
Do you believe changes to Montana’s school finance system are necessary to ensure locally administered school districts have the funding they need to meet their constitutional obligation to provide students with a quality education? What if any changes would you advocate for over the next four years as state superintendent?
Susie Hedalen
Townsend School District superintendent, Republican
Montana’s school funding formula needs a critical study. As state superintendent, I plan to scrutinize what’s working and what’s not in education funding. We must ensure that funding supports students and reduces administrative costs. This will allow education dollars to stretch further, focusing on educating students.
Hedalen alluded to a once-a-decade review of the education funding system required by state law and scheduled for the period between the 2025 and 2027 legislative sessions.
Sharyl Allen
Former Harrison Public School principal/superintendent, Republican
Yes — I would advocate for a simplified and transparent system that ensures equity and addresses the critical needs of rural Montana districts. I would also advocate for a change to the inflation methods for public schools, and for guaranteed marijuana dollars for public schools.
Allen endorsed a change to the 3% inflation guidance, unlike her competitor Hedalen.
Shannon O’Brien
State senator, Democrat
The state’s school funding formula needs an update. Over the last 11 years, I have built relationships with key stakeholders in statewide education. I will work with the Montana Legislature to update the formula as required by law. The 3% inflationary cap needs to be increased to keep pace with the inflation rate today. My other priorities include early childhood education, recruitment and retention of teachers, helping districts meet their building and technology needs.
O’Brien referred to the 3% inflationary guidance as a “cap” that needs to be increased to match the current inflation rate.
Curious about other candidates’ views on school funding? Montana Free Press posed a similar question to legislative candidates and candidates running for governor, including current Gov. Greg Gianforte and likely Democratic nominee Ryan Busse.
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