Education
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Why some districts opted out of Montana’s high-profile STARS Act
According to the Office of Public Instruction, roughly 94% of Montana’s local public school agencies have agreed to participate in the STARS Act and work toward meeting starting teacher salary benchmarks. But several have opted out over concerns about the long-term sustainability of state funding for the effort.
Latest education Reporting
Tuition increases coming for residents and non-residents at Montana campuses
The Montana Board of Regents recently approved a series of tuition increases for resident and non-resident students across the state’s university system. Over the next two years, tuition at the flagship University of Montana and Montana State University campuses will rise by $432 annually — or $18 per credit — for full-time students.
More schools are adopting a 4-day school week. One Montana town tried to fight it.
After years of putting it off, the Florence-Carlton school district in Ravalli County had to decide: Would it join the many smaller districts in the state with a four-day school week, or stick with a five-day schedule?
Education officials approve change to proficiency assessments for students with special needs
The vote gives state Superintendent Susie Hedalen and the Montana Office of Public Instruction permission to execute a new contract consolidating English, math and science proficiency assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities into a single computer delivery platform.
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Voters deliver mixed outcomes to levy requests from some of the state’s largest school districts
School districts in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena and Kalispell all won voter approval for modest to sizable increases to their schools’ general operating funds. But in Belgrade, similar bids for additional support at the elementary and high school levels failed, as did the Helena schools’ requested increases for technology funding.
Federal judge extends restraining order maintaining legal status for MSU international students
After hearing arguments in a case brought by the ACLU against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a U.S. district court judge extended his prohibition on government action against two MSU international students another 14 days while he weighs issuing a preliminary injunction.
Federal attorneys offer more detail about allegations against MSU international students
Federal attorneys challenged the ACLU’s assertion that neither of the international students from MSU represented in the case has faced a criminal conviction in the U.S., and insisted that the students face no imminent threat of deportation.
ACLU files lawsuit on behalf of two international students at Montana State University
The ACLU of Montana is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to block its revocation of two F-1 student visas at Montana State University.
Tessman will be the next president of MSU
The Montana Board of Regents announced Brock Tessman as the new president of Montana State University, concluding the state’s search for a successor to outgoing President Waded Cruzado. Tessman, who is the current president of Northern Michigan University, will take the helm of the Bozeman-based flagship campus July 1.
MSU names two finalists in national search for a new president
Two finalists to replace MSU President Waded Cruzado — Kurt Schnier and Brock Tessman — will appear on the Bozeman campus next week for tours and interviews, as well as individual community forums scheduled for March 25 and 27 respectively.
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MORE EDUCATION REPORTING
President Trump moves to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education
President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education is the latest in a series of developments that have Montana educators and parents wary, anxious and fearful about the potential impacts to the state’s most vulnerable youth.
University of Montana conducting ‘compliance audit’ in response to ‘Dear Colleague’ letter
The University of Montana last week directed leaders of all campus operations to conduct a thorough review of their programs and activities for compliance with new legal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education — the latest in a series of evolving developments around President Donald Trump’s fast-paced agenda to rid the federal government of…
Trump orders fuel questions, concern over research funding on Montana campuses
Courts have halted a string of executive orders from President Donald Trump impacting federal funding for campus-based research. In Montana, universities are keeping their work going while closely monitoring a situation that could affect their ability to maintain high-end equipment, labs and scientific innovation.
Student drama production sets off concerns about themes of suicide
School administrators in Whitehall last month canceled a high school play, citing concerns about a scene involving youth suicide. But with rates of teen depression and thoughts of suicide on the rise, the student cast feels called to speak up, and they have a message for the district: just listen.
State education board approves second batch of Montana public charter schools
Montana’s Board of Public Education approved public charter school applications from five districts, including Butte, Ronan and Libby, bringing the state’s total to 24 approved charters since a new law was passed in 2023.
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