Some small school districts blame new Montana law for enrollment challenges

In some of Montana’s smallest school districts, community members have put the blame for enrollment challenges on a new state law that took effect last year – but that may be only part of the story.

In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 203, sponsored by Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton. It made it easier for families living in one school district to have their students attend public school in another district. Supporters said it was a way to increase educational choice, but some opponents said it put small districts at a big disadvantage.