State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Thanks Governor Gianforte for Including Education in State Budget
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen is grateful that Governor Gianforte has recognized the importance of Montana’s students and schools by approving the request to fund public education for the next two years. Pursuant to section §20-9-326, MCA, annual inflation-related adjustments are required for basic amount for school equity (BASE) aid. BASE aid is the largest state funding component for Montana’s public-school systems and supports the school district’s general fund.
“A promise is a promise! Funding school budgets is the most important promise that state government can make to our Montana public schools,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This biennium budget puts our Montana students first.”
Other requests from the Office of Public Instruction that are included in the 2025 Biennium Executive Budget are:
- Transferring dollars for teacher licensing to support the TeachMontana system
- Funding the repair or replacement of audiology testing equipment used to provide hearing screenings for Montana students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to have an effective child find system in place for children suspected of having disabilities through age of 21. The OPI Hearing Conservation Program is the primary method for schools to ensure proper identification of students with hearing impairments.