Montana Education Bill Secures $50M for Teacher Pay and Dual Credit Programs

The House Appropriations Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss House Bill 252, which aims to significantly increase teacher salaries and improve educational outcomes across the state. The meeting focused on the fiscal implications of the bill, which includes an initial distribution of approximately $50 million, primarily targeting beginning teachers.

The discussion began with a detailed overview of the fiscal note associated with the bill. A committee member highlighted that while the fiscal note indicates a $50 million allocation, only about $20 million would be necessary for the initial implementation of the teacher pay adjustments. The remaining funds could be utilized to enhance the salary scale for all teachers and address other staffing needs within schools.

Key components of the bill include incentives for schools to increase graduation rates through dual credits and career technical education credentials. The bill also encourages resource sharing among smaller schools to optimize administrative costs. Additionally, it proposes a mechanism for local communities to vote on housing stipends for teachers in areas with high living costs.

Several proponents of the bill spoke in favor of its objectives. Lance Melton from the Montana School Boards Association emphasized the importance of addressing long-standing pay disparities for teachers, noting that the proposed funding would help close the inflation gap that has affected teacher wages over recent years. He pointed out that the bill is designed to reverse a trend of declining teacher pay relative to national averages.

Sarah Swanson, the Commissioner for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, discussed the department's role in analyzing teacher pay and ensuring accurate data is available for school districts. She expressed confidence in the department's ability to support the implementation of the bill without requiring additional funding.

Katie Bloodgood, representing the Office of Public Instruction, reiterated the bill's potential to enhance teacher salaries and improve student outcomes, while Governor Gianforte's education policy advisor, Dylan Klapmeier, affirmed the governor's support for the legislation, highlighting its targeted funding approach.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the retirement system for teachers, with committee members acknowledging the importance of retirement benefits in retaining educators in the profession. Overall, the committee expressed a commitment to advancing the bill, recognizing its potential to address critical issues in Montana's education system.