Committee hears bill to expand classroom-based early literacy for Montana 4‑year‑olds

Rep. Becky Edwards, a Bozeman Republican representing House District 61, introduced House Bill 654 to the House Education Committee, saying the bill would expand classroom‑based early literacy for Montana 4‑year‑olds by clarifying that districts may partner with community providers, allowing districts to receive A and B funding in year one, and creating a one‑time boost grant to retrofit or equip classrooms.

"This bill is a pathway for rural and underserved communities to not only create opportunities to grow access to early lit programs, but it also supports local small business already providing these programs to partner with local districts," Edwards said during the hearing. She told the committee the measure responds to concerns in rural communities about space, staffing shortages and startup costs.

The bill would (1) clarify that school districts may contract with community‑based providers to deliver early literacy instruction under district direction, (2) allow districts to receive A and B account funding when expanding early literacy programs in the first year rather than waiting until year two, and (3) create an "early literacy intervention boost grant" described by witnesses as a one‑time grant to help retrofit classrooms and buy supplies.

Proponents included classroom teachers, school advocates and parents. Kim Popham of the Montana Federation of Public…