State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Offers Update on the Budget and Education Working Group
HELENA – On March 18, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen announced the creation of the Budget and Education Working Group. Over 170 Montana teachers, parents, taxpayers, school clerks, and superintendents submitted their names to be a part of the working group. Due to overwhelming interest, there will be seven breakout groups based on the areas of interest expressed on the application:
- Special Needs students and programs
- Teacher pay, retention, recruitment.
- Rural, Population, & Culture
- Sustainability & tax burden
- Programs & Curriculum
- Funding Formula
- School Budgeting
“Parents and community members from Ekalaka to Whitefish want to be engaged in the use of their precious tax dollars and the education of Montana’s children,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This working group reflects transparency in our education system and our state government. I look forward to giving Montanans a platform for their voice to be heard.”
The purpose of the working group is to gather information and offer feedback that will serve as a resource for the legislature when considering education funding for the 2025 Biennium Budget and 2025 Legislative Session. OPI staff will provide a white paper and summary from the working group for the legislature.
The first meeting will be held on April 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The meeting will include:
- A review of the purpose and logistics of the working group
- A presentation on the budget process and formula
- Questions
The following meetings will be held in May, June, & July.
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