School Officials Remain Optimistic On State-Provided School Funding
When the Montana Legislature convenes on Jan. 4, 2021, the state’s K-12 school officials are hopeful that funding will remain at least to the level that legislators agreed to in 2019.
“We haven’t heard much of anything yet,” Culbertson superintendent of schools Larry Crowder said about the possible amount of funding.
Froid superintendent of schools Janessa Parenteau said she hasn’t had a chance yet to review bill drafts, but she hopes to do so during the holiday break.
“I’m very worried,” Parenteau said of funding bills. Part of her concern is that the legislature might decide to fund private schools more than previously, and that would leave less for public education.
Crowder noted there are about 100 drafts of bills that deal with Montana’s public education.
“Historically, they would leave school funding for last,” Crowder said. “During the last couple sessions, they took care of it early. It’s been very nice.”
Crowder explained once the funding amount is known, then school district can make decisions regarding mill levies and staffing.
“We usually like to hand out contracts in March or even February,” Crowder said. “Then we have a better pulse of which staff is returning.”
He said to know the amount of funding is very beneficial if a school district is going through contract negotiations such as Wolf Point is working through this year. Culbertson’s teachers are currently in the second year of a three-year contract.
One variable is how much surplus is available at the state level. Crowder said he’s heard that Gov. Steve Bullock and Republican legislators have disagreed on the amount.
With businesses and individuals struggling with COVID-related shutdowns, there might be less tax revenue available than in recent years.
“For us, we’re hoping to maintain current levels.” Crowder said. He added that more flexibility with the funds would be a benefit.
With the oil industry down, oil-impacted schools like Culbertson are seeing less of that revenue. In the past, Culbertson has used the funds for building projects such as the bus barn, lunch area and elementary school addition. They didn’t want to put those funds into day-to-day operations.
Culbertson is represented by the Montana Rural Education Association and Montana School Boards Association during the session. If a matter of primary importance arises, Culbertson’s officials head to Helena for testimony.
“We have to do our part,” Crowder said. “For us, we need to be there in person to do our testifying.”
Froid is hired Daniel Farr, former superintendent of schools in Sidney, as its lobbyist.
“He’s been a real help to us,” Parenteau said.
