State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Prioritizes Unique Learning Opportunities with Transformational Learning Grants
HELENA - During the 2021 legislative session, the legislature changed the Transformational Learning Grants award method from first come to a lottery system. The Transformational Learning Grants for public school districts were created to incentivize innovation for Montana schools and enhance learning opportunities for students. To date, 35 Montana public school districts serving 24 communities have received $2,123,916 allocated for fiscal 2021-2022 that are authorized by the Board of Public Education (BOPE).
“Prioritizing funding from the Legislature in transforming student learning allows unique opportunities for success in Montana public schools,” Superintendent Arntzen said. “I’m proud to champion local control and innovation through this new process.”
The Office of Public Instruction (OPI), in partnership with Carroll College’s Math Department, planned and tested the lottery over several months to ensure technology and documentation carry out a fair and accurate lottery drawing. The lottery results consisted of 10 new district applicants or current funded districts that requested an increase in the funding for staffing. The Board of Public Education accepted the lottery results and then took action on requalifying existing funded districts and qualifying a waitlist for future funding.
For more information, please contact Krystal Smith, Montana Office of Public Instruction Program Manager – MT Ready at krystal.smith@mt.gov.
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