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Bozeman trustees adopt five‑part legislative priorities, urge funding formula review
Summary
The Bozeman School Board on Nov. 11 adopted a five‑part resolution urging the 2025 legislature to fully fund Article X education obligations, revisit the funding formula, oppose widespread vouchers and engage regionally; trustees recorded unanimous approval of the resolution.
The Bozeman School District Board adopted a five‑part resolution on Nov. 11 outlining the district’s priorities for the 2025 Montana legislative session, with trustees stressing funding shortfalls and concern about voucher-style proposals.
Superintendent Casey Bertram presented the draft resolution, which asks the legislature to: (1) fund the constitutional obligations for a basic system of free public schools (Article X), (2) review and update the definition of a quality education as part of the decennial funding study, (3) examine new revenue or policy options to address inflationary shortfalls (the district cited a $141 million statewide shortfall estimate from MTSBA), (4) protect public dollars for public schools against voucher expansion and privatization proposals, and (5) engage local legislators and regional superintendents in active advocacy and discussion. Bertram and trustees referenced examples in other states, noting that voucher programs in Arizona expanded beyond initial provisions and that costs ballooned over time.
Trustees discussed strategies for public engagement, including legislative breakfasts, regional collaboration with nearby districts and guidance for parents and teachers on public comment. Trustee Black moved approval; Trustee Wilson seconded, and the motion passed 6–0.
Why it matters: The resolution articulates the district’s priorities heading into a legislative session that includes a decennial funding study. The board emphasized recruitment and retention challenges in high‑cost areas and flagged several policy vehicles (local option taxes, targeted revenue streams) that could support district needs but also cautioned against unintended consequences of some proposals.
Next steps: District leadership and trustees signaled plans to host public engagement sessions and coordinate with regional superintendents to press the district’s priorities during the 2025 session. The board did not attach expenditure authority or mandate new local revenue in this vote.
