State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen’s Student Transportation Support Requests Approved by the Governor
Superintendent Arntzen’s Student Transportation Support Requests Approved by the Governor
August 10, 2020
HELENA— Superintendent Arntzen’s July 14th, July 20th, July 23rd, and August 7th requests to the Governor for student transportation financial support and taxpayer relief in light of COVID-19 were approved today. As school districts have been planning for how to safely reopen schools this fall, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) consistently heard from administrators that there would be additional transportation needs due to social distancing. This would result in significant financial strain on district and county budgets which would result in increased levies on property taxpayers.
Superintendent Arntzen requested that the Governor use a portion of Montana’s federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to support the additional transportation expenditures and provide relief to property taxpayers.
“Safely reopening schools is the top priority for Montana families and educators. The Office of Public Instruction is committed to assisting local communities in this work,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen said Monday. “I am glad that the Governor has honored my requests to support safe student transportation and protect local taxpayers. I will continue advocating for Montana’s students, parents, and educators as we work together to safely resume learning this fall.”
The OPI’s School Finance Division is producing guidance documents, training materials, and webinars to assist local administrators in accessing Coronavirus Relief Funds to support student transportation. Learn more at: http://opi.mt.gov/Leadership/Finance-Grants/School-Finance
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CONTACT: Dylan Klapmeier
Director of Communications, Montana Office of Public Instruction
406-444-3559