Over the past few months, there have been different articles published in newspapers around the state about school finances, from teacher salaries and budget shortfalls to levies and bonds. I would like to highlight another area of concern: equality of education and the state’s obligation to the citizens of Montana.
The Montana State Constitution’s Article X, Education and Public Lands, states: “It is the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person. Equality of educational opportunity is guaranteed to each person of the state … The Legislature shall provide a basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools … It shall fund and distribute in an equitable manner to the school districts the state’s share of the cost of the basic elementary and secondary school system.”
However, for decades and regardless of political party affiliation, there has been a lack of state funding for schools to operate properly and successfully. The funding received from the state does not cover the full cost of running a public school. Schools are forced to get creative, run levies, and apply for grants, but this still isn’t enough. Recently, the situation has been exacerbated by rising inflation and skyrocketing health insurance costs for employees. The cumulative lack of financial resources from the state to school districts has led to inequality of educational opportunities, in direct opposition to what the Montana Constitution guarantees. The outcome of this dismal state funding year after year is that school districts are forced to ask local voters to approve levy requests to fund the holes in their budgets left by the state.
In districts that are able to pass levies, education remains robust and class sizes are reasonable. Teachers are able to assign labs, grade essays and give direct feedback. Students learn more, engage deeply and grow. When district levies fail and funding is short, vacant teaching positions aren’t filled. Class sizes grow to levels that aren’t practical for deeper learning. It isn’t the teachers’ or districts’ fault. They want to do more for their students, but they don’t have the capacity or finances. This isn’t an equitable education for Montana kids and it is in violation of the Montana State Constitution.
Several districts around the state haven’t been able to pass a levy for many years. For example, the Kalispell high school district hasn’t passed a levy since 2007, which is almost 20 years ago. Furthermore, in districts where levies have historically passed, they are now being voted down or barely passing. Strong schools make strong communities. The state Legislature and senate must work across the aisle and demand better funding from the state for all public school districts. It is their sworn duty.
Every 10 years, school funding is reviewed by the Legislature, and 2025 is the year for the next review cycle. I encourage you to engage your state representatives and ask them what they are going to do to uphold their oath to the Montana State Constitution, especially Article X: Education and Public Lands.
I will continue to vote yes for kids on school bonds and levies until this state educational funding issue is fixed, and I hope you will too. Children are the future, and an equitable education is their right. Fight for them, fight for your community. Please contact your representatives and the governor.
Darcy Schellinger is a Whitefish School Board trustee. She attended Billings Public Schools grades K-12 and graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman.