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House advances Montana BEST program to pair new teachers with mentors
Summary
The House advanced House Bill 340, creating the voluntary Montana BEST (Bolstering Educators Support and Training) pilot program with a $1 million appropriation and reporting requirements; the bill passed second reading and was later re-referred to Appropriations for fiscal review.
The Montana House on March 26 advanced House Bill 340, a bill to create the Montana BEST program—Bolstering Educators Support and Training—a voluntary, one-year pilot that pairs early-career teachers with experienced educators and provides stipends, training, and an interactive learning platform.
Sponsor Representative Laurie Romano, who introduced the bill in committee, said the measure responds to rising use of emergency teaching authorizations and high early-career turnover. "Our early career educators are matched with experienced educators and receive a nominal financial support," Romano said, adding the bill caps program administrative costs at 15 percent and includes reporting and a termination date in the text.
The bill would appropriate $1,000,000 from the state general fund in the current biennium and the legislature intends that appropriation be considered part of the ongoing base for the next session, Representative Mark Millett noted on the floor. Romano and supporters emphasized the bill is a pilot with reporting requirements so lawmakers can evaluate effectiveness before committing further funding.
Members who spoke in favor described teacher shortages and high use of emergency authorizations. Representative Ryan Tillman, speaking from the Office of Public Instruction background, cited data on agricultural teachers and said the program "is a very good bill" to help districts that rely on industry hires and emergency-authorized educators. Representative Ed Thain, a former superintendent, urged support as an investment in retention that pays off compared with recruitment costs. Representative Darlene Eisley called teaching “an extremely challenging job” and urged a green vote.
Opponents did not dominate floor remarks, but debate focused on funding permanence and the program’s long-term cost. Romano said the program is a pilot and includes termination and reporting requirements so the legislature can judge results before making it permanent. The committee recommended the bill "do pass," and on second reading the House voted 67 to 33 to advance the bill.
Later in the day Majority Leader Fitzpatrick moved to re-refer House Bill 340 to the Appropriations Committee; the motion was made on the floor and taken without objection, sending the bill to Appropriations for fiscal consideration.
Votes and next steps: House Bill 340 passed second reading (67-33) and was re-referred to the Appropriations Committee for further fiscal review and any supplemental action.
Because the bill contains an appropriation and reporting requirements, its final enactment will depend on the Appropriations Committee’s review and potential placement in the budget process.
