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Board renews memberships in Montana School Boards Association and MQEC; staff describes MQEC's litigation role
Summary
Trustees approved membership renewals for the Montana School Boards Association and the Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC). Administration described MQEC as an advocacy group with a litigation reserve that has pursued adequacy/equity cases, including action tied to the recent charter-school bill.
The Missoula County Public Schools board approved renewals for two advocacy memberships: the Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) and the Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC).
Administration recommended continuing membership in MTSBA and MQEC. The board approved the MTSBA renewal by all trustees present. On MQEC, the board approved the $4,000 annual membership and discussed the coalition's role in litigation and advocacy.
Superintendent Pat McHugh explained MQEC's function: it is part of a coalition (referred to as CAMPS) that also includes the School Administrators of Montana and others. "When legislation is passed that they the organization feels is counter to the mission of public schools in Montana, that's the organization that usually we litigate through," McHugh said, citing MQEC's role in litigation over a recent charter-school bill that is currently subject to an injunction.
Board members questioned how MQEC funds litigation. McHugh said MQEC maintains a reserve funded from dues across districts and that some litigation costs are larger than others; district dues ($4,000) contribute to ongoing operations and the litigation reserve.
Trustees also asked about Missoula's status in the state's equalization system; McHugh explained that Missoula contributes more in property tax than it receives in certain years, though the district also receives guaranteed tax-based subsidies under the state's equalization calculations.
Motions: the board voted to renew both memberships. The MTSBA renewal was approved by all trustees present; the MQEC renewal, recommended as a continued advocacy and litigation membership, was approved by all trustees present.
