Teachers’ Pay, English Learners’ Needs, and Education Funding Take Center Stage
As Montana’s lawmakers gear up for the 2025 legislative session, education remains a hot topic. With key priorities set for debate, the upcoming session will focus on boosting teacher pay, tackling funding issues, and addressing the unique needs of students who are English Language Learners (ELL).
The Montana Legislature will convene on Monday, and both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have shared their views on what needs to be done. From teacher rights to school funding, the stakes are high for the state’s education system.
A Strong Focus on Teacher Pay
Among the most pressing issues is the state’s ongoing struggle with starting teacher pay. Despite efforts in the past, Montana has failed to provide competitive salaries for its teachers, a situation that has led to workforce shortages in some districts. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that improving teacher compensation is essential, but finding a solution that satisfies both the education community and the state’s budgetary constraints is no easy task.
Rep. David Bedey, a Hamilton Republican, expressed a firm commitment to addressing the issue. He emphasized that raising starting teacher pay would be a “centerpiece” of the upcoming session, as it remains one of the key focuses for lawmakers. The 2023 TEACH Act was supposed to help, but in June 2024, the Office of Public Instruction admitted that the program had faltered, with only half of Montana’s school districts using it as intended.
The challenges with the program highlight the difficulties lawmakers face in ensuring that money allocated for teacher pay actually reaches the intended recipients. Lawmakers are now considering new bills to correct these issues and increase funding for teachers at all stages of their careers.
The STARS Act: A Key Legislative Proposal
Rep. David Bedey isn’t the only one focused on teacher pay. The STARS (Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success) Act, which will be carried by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, aims to close an inflation gap in the education sector. This bill focuses on improving salaries for teachers and supporting educational improvements, especially in rural areas.
However, some critics, including Rep. Connie Keogh, a Missoula Democrat, argue that the STARS Act addresses only the pay of the least-paid teachers and fails to tackle compensation for mid- or late-career educators. Keogh noted that while the STARS Act may raise the floor, it doesn’t do enough to raise the ceiling, leaving veteran teachers’ compensation behind.
The debate on teacher pay is expected to dominate discussions early in the session, with both Republicans and Democrats emphasizing the importance of closing this pay gap.
Commission on Education Funding
Another major topic up for discussion is how the state funds its education system. Rep. Keogh highlighted the importance of a decennial study on school funding, which is mandated by statute. This study will take place during the legislative interim and will provide recommendations for future changes to the state’s education funding structure.
Keogh called the study a “pivotal point” in Montana’s funding of education, noting that it provides an opportunity to reassess how money is allocated for K-12 schools. She said the review could lead to significant changes that better address the needs of the state’s education system.
The study will focus on the costs associated with providing a free, quality public education for Montana students. It will also look at educational needs and examine how the funding system can be improved. With the state’s education funding needing a fresh look, the outcome of this commission could have a significant impact on future educational policy.
Funding Challenges for English Language Learners
One additional area of concern is the state’s funding for students who are English Language Learners. Montana has seen a rise in the number of ELL students, and lawmakers agree that the state’s educational system needs to be better equipped to meet their needs. How the state allocates funding for these students will be a major part of the education discussions during the session.
While specific plans for ELL funding haven’t been detailed yet, advocates are calling for more resources to support these students. Ensuring that ELL students receive an equitable education will likely become a key priority for lawmakers in the months ahead.
A Session Full of Potential Change
As Montana’s legislative session draws near, lawmakers are bracing for intense discussions over the future of education in the state. From increasing teacher pay to reassessing education funding and addressing the needs of English Language Learners, the upcoming session will shape the direction of Montana’s educational system for years to come.
Despite the challenges ahead, legislators from both parties are optimistic about making progress on education issues. The question remains, however, whether they can reach consensus on the best way forward. Only time will tell how these discussions unfold.
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