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Legislative staff give hour-long briefing on Montana K–12 funding structure, equalization and SCEPTER trigger
Summary
Legislative research and fiscal staff briefed the House Taxation Committee on Montana school funding mechanics, laying out federal, state and local revenue sources, the role of GTB equalization, and how revenues from the 95-mill statewide levy flow through the SCEPTER account and a trigger sequence.
Legislative research and fiscal staff delivered a detailed briefing to the House Taxation Committee on the structure and mechanics of Montana’s K–12 school funding during a scheduled training session following committee executive action.
Presenters and purpose
Pat McCracken, deputy research director in the legislative research office, and Julia Patton of the Legislative Fiscal Division presented background on constitutional duties, state and federal revenue sources, and the statutory funding formula that underpins the District General Fund. Staff said the briefing was intended to help committee members understand the layered funding system and the administrative mechanics that affect revenue flow to school districts.
Funding sources and shares summarized by staff
- Federal funds: About 13% of K–12 revenue (FY2024 figures cited), including Impact Aid, school meals, IDEA and Title I programs; Impact Aid supports districts with federally non-taxable lands. - State funds: Roughly 41% of K–12 revenue (staff figure), supplied by the guarantee account (earnings from the Common School Permanent Trust), the 95-mill statewide mechanism (now…
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