Stevensville board renews participation in Montana Schools Unemployment Insurance Program after debate, votes 6–2

The Stevensville School District Board of Trustees voted 6–2 to renew the district’s participation in the Montana Schools Unemployment Insurance Program (MSUIP) following a special‑meeting discussion and a motion by Trustee Fran.

Supporters of joining MSUIP said the program is industry‑specific to education and offers legal support and contract assistance for unemployment claims. A board presentation noted the program reports roughly $8,300,000 in equity in its materials, and administrators said MSUIP provides quarterly crediting when district unemployment claims remain low.

Trustees pressed administrators on financial exposure under the multi‑district agreement, asking whether MSUIP could adjust contribution rates mid‑year, whether members could be assessed if the program became insolvent and how the program’s treatment of school employees differs from the state plan. One trustee said the agreement creates a three‑year obligation with potential mid‑year contribution changes, and urged legal review before signing.

Trustee Tony said he was uncomfortable voting to renew without more detail about the district’s long‑term costs and liabilities: “I am absolutely against renewing this until we get some more information,” he said during debate. Other trustees echoed that a program representative should be invited to present and that the district’s attorney should review the contract language and liability provisions.

After discussion, Trustee Fran moved to renew the participation agreement. The board took the item from the table, held further discussion and then conducted a vote; the chair announced the motion passed 6–2. Trustees agreed to invite MSUIP representatives to the district to explain the program and offer the free training noted in the packet.

The vote formalizes the district’s participation under the terms discussed; trustees who dissented did not request an amendment that would have altered the approval. The board indicated it will seek additional clarification from the program about contribution‑rate practices, any federal unemployment interactions and the exact liability cap language in the multi‑district agreement.

The board moved on after the vote to a scheduled work session with the Stevensville Community Foundation to discuss a separate land and facility proposal.