Missoula school leaders warn declining enrollment and federal cuts could force staff reductions unless levies and STARS Act funds materialize

Superintendent Hill and district finance and human-resources staff told the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Trustees on April 14 that declining enrollment, reductions in federal Title funding and higher operating costs have put the district in a position where some staffing reductions tied to enrollment are under consideration.

The superintendent and staff outlined the district’s timeline and rules for staffing changes — including leave-of-absence deadlines, the March “arena” hiring process described by staff, and June 1 as the Montana code date that allows districts to nonrenew non‑tenured teachers — and said early notification to employees is a priority even when enrollment remains uncertain.

Why it matters: MCPS has seen falling K–5 enrollment for three consecutive years and a net reduction in state and federal funding categories that underpin classroom staffing. Staff and trustees said local levies and the STARS Act quality educator payment (QEP) at the state level could materially change the district’s budget picture for next year but are not guaranteed.

District staff members gave detailed examples of how the enrollment-driven process operates. Trevor (staff member), who described the placement process and collective bargaining constraints, said the district notifies employees early so they can pursue other openings and participate in negotiated procedures. He cited February 15 as the deadline for employees on leave to notify the district of intent to return, and February 4 (the spring count) as the enrollment anchor the district uses to estimate sections and staffing.

Micah (staff…