Missoula trustees vote to join lawsuit challenging Montana school funding

Missoula County Public Schools trustees voted to join Upper 7 Law in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Montana’s public school funding system, the board decided at its regular meeting. The board approved the motion in a full-board vote, moved by Trustee Amy Walsh and seconded by Trustee Witcher; one trustee abstained.

The suit, as presented to the board by Andres Halliday of Upper Seven Law, argues the state’s funding framework does not meet the Montana Constitution’s requirement to provide an adequate, equitable education. "We think now is the appropriate time to get involved here," Halliday told trustees, urging a filing before the end of the year and describing a litigation and discovery timeline that could include depositions and document requests.

Trustees and staff said the decision was motivated by ongoing concerns about underfunded components of education the presenter reviewed, including curriculum, special education, qualified staff,…