education

The effort would start studies analyzing the efficacy of public-school programs like special education, media literacy, school safety and counselors.

To qualify for funding in the coming fiscal year, districts would have to pay educators a salary that is at least 62% of 2025’s average teacher pay.

Plans to include a daycare facility in a northside housing project as part of an agreement between the city and a private developer will no longer move forward due to economic changes in the market.

The sponsor says it will address gaps in health insurance coverage for children.

Early childhood education facilities and day cares could be eligible for a slice of a $10 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services if a bill in the Montana House can gain traction.

The lower chamber approved a 6% increase to the budget, which will fund Montana’s government functions for the next two years.

Homeschoolers, private school families and teachers could be reimbursed for education expenses through a new income tax credit if a bill in the Senate passes.

A bill in the Legislature would offer free school breakfast and lunch to all students who qualify for reduced meals.

Modest pay raises for teachers can’t compete with skyrocketing inflation and as the costs of housing, insurance and living expenses grow, the gap between what comes in and what goes out seems wider every year.

Proponents of the bill in the Montana House say an estimated 2,500 children could be added to a Montana childcare scholarship if it passes.