Montana Governor Schweitzer Presents A Status Report on School Lawsuit

Thanks Committee for Continuing their Hard Work For Montana’s Children

Governor Brian Schweitzer today presented a status report on the State of Montana’s progress toward establishing a "basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools," pursuant to Article X, section 1(3) of the Montana Constitution and as directed by the Montana Supreme Court in Columbia Falls Elementary School District No. 6 v. State of Montana, 2005 MT 69.

"I want to assure the court that the legislature and the executive branch of government are making progress in addressing the constitutional challenge in providing all Montanans access to a basic system of quality education," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. " As we continue to work together, we build a stronger education system for our children."

As of today, the legislature:

-Has defined quality education.

-Has appropriated $88 million in new money this biennium to Montana’s elementary and secondary schools.

-Is devising a funding formula grounded in research and data correlated to the definition of quality education enacted in SB 152 through the Quality Schools Interim Committee.

Additionally, the Quality Schools Interim Committee is considering proposals from the Governor’s Office to address health benefits, teacher retirement and school facility needs.

Governor Schweitzer added in his report, "I want to take this opportunity to thank those individuals who have devoted themselves to this task, especially members of the Quality Schools Interim Committee and those who have supported their work."

A working group consisting of legislative staff researchers and lawyers, legislative fiscal analysts, staff from the Governor’s budget office, staff from the Office of Public Instruction, staff from the Montana Senate, and education community liaisons supports the Quality Schools Interim Committee.

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Sarah J. Elliott
Communications Director
Governor Brian Schweitzer
406-444-9725
[email protected]