Visuals for a New Funding Formula:
The Steps Necessary
to Provide a Constitutional Education
to Montana’s Children
A Formula Based on the Basic System of
Quality Schools in Montana
• An obligation of the Montana
Legislature in pursuit of compliance
with the Court’s order in Columbia
Falls Elementary v. State.
• Must be based on two items:
– The Legislature’s definition of quality in
20-9-309, MCA.
– An assessment of educational needs.
• Must rationally identify and meet
the needs of children as the first
and really only priority for K-12
public education
Where is the Legislature in
Progressing
Toward a New Formula?
• SB 152, defining the basic system of free quality
schools, has passed and is codified in law at 20-9-309,
MCA.
• The quality schools interim committee (QSIC) was
flawed from the start and did not finish its work.
• The Legislature and Governor abandoned the QSIC
process and implemented political-based funding,
based on perceived affordability and power rather
than on educational need.
• The lack of connection between the definition of
quality and the funding formula is harming children.
Establishing and Maintaining a
Rational, Self-Executing Formula
1. Define (or
refine after 1st time)
the basic system of
quality schools
in compliance
With Article X
5. Inflation-adjust formula
during its useful life (no more
than 5 years without
revisiting the definition
and assessing contemporary
educational needs)
2. Assess
educational needs
under the terms of
the definition drafted
under 1
Continually ask:
•Is the system serving all children?
•Is the system accommodating
evolving dynamics and realities?
•Is the system honoring and is it in
compliance with our constitutional
responsibilities under Article X?
4. Develop adequate
and equitable means for
Distribution. Before
implementing, know
how it impacts children
in all schools
2a. Assessment
requires factual
Knowledge of
consequence and
broad professional
expertise and input
2b. Value judgments are
implicit in the
assessment and decisions made.
Participation by all
called upon for support
of the system is essential
3. How do we generate
the financial capacity
to address the needs
Identified?
Basic Starting
Point: The
System Must
Serve Children
Differentiated Instruction and Services
to Meet the Unique Needs of all Children
Gifted and
Talented
Children in
Traditional
Circumstances
American
Indians
Others At-Risk
Of Failing to
Meet Standards
Special Needs
Under IDEA
Unique Children
Children in
Poverty
Special Needs
Under Section
504
Limited
English
Proficiency
The Classroom Essentials
Updated
Textbooks
High Quality
Teachers, Salary
Mandated benefits,
Insurance
Relevant
Professional
Development
Updated
Technology
Related Services
Special Children
Children
Qualified
Paraprofessionals
Salary, Mandated
Benefits, Insurance
Desks
Whiteboards and
Other Equipment
Broad
Curriculum
Adequate
Supplies
& Equipment
The School Essentials
Building
Administration
School Food & Support
Auditorium
Service
Maintenance
Staff &
Supplies
Nurses
Speech
Path’s, O.T.
Healthy
Activities
Safety &
Security
Children
Classrooms
Utilities
Library
Computer Lab
Counseling
Gymnasium
The District Essentials
School Board
Superintendent
Curriculum
Athletics and
Activities
Technology
Children
Classrooms
Schools
Facilities –
Capital,
Operational
Transportation
Administrative
Support
Business and
Financial
Functions
Stakeholders with a Responsibility for Involvement
in Assessing and Meeting Educational Needs
Parents
The Legislature
Advocacy
Groups
Office of Public
Instruction
Tribes
Business
Community
Educators
Taxpayers
Courts
Trustees
Citizens
The Board of
Public Education
Federal
Government
Governor
Summary of Necessary
Steps
1.
Define the basic system of quality
schools (Accomplished – SB 152)
2. Assess educational needs (Not
Accomplished – QSIC process broke
down)
3. Implement Cost-Based Funding Formula
(Not Accomplished, requires a bonified
study process as a prerequisite)
What Can Policy Makers
Do to Help?
1.
Support a legitimate assessment of
educational needs.
•
Note: MQEC is in the process of commissioning
such analyses, using both professional judgment
and successful schools methodologies, and focusing
on the Legislature’s definition of quality in SB 152.
Legislation will be developed for the 2007 Session.
2. Support a funding formula based on
educational needs, not on the basis of
politics, power, and perceived
affordability.