Visuals for a New Funding Visuals for a New Funding Formula:Formula:

TThe Steps Necessaryhe Steps Necessaryto Provide a Constitutional Education to Provide a Constitutional Education

to Montana’s Childrento Montana’s Children

Visuals for a New Funding Visuals for a New Funding Formula:Formula:

TThe Steps Necessaryhe Steps Necessaryto Provide a Constitutional Education to Provide a Constitutional Education

to Montana’s Childrento 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.

1. Define (or refine after 1st time)the basic system of quality schools in complianceWith Article X

4. Develop adequateand equitable means for

Distribution. Beforeimplementing, know

how it impacts childrenin all schools

3. How do we generatethe financial capacityto address the needs

Identified?

2. Assess educational needsunder the terms ofthe definition draftedunder 1

2b. Value judgments areimplicit in the

assessment and decisions made.Participation by all

called upon for supportof the system is essential

2a. Assessmentrequires factualKnowledge of

consequence andbroad professional expertise and input

5. Inflation-adjust formula during its useful life (no more

than 5 years withoutrevisiting the definition

and assessing contemporaryeducational needs)

Establishing and Maintaining a Rational, Self-Executing Formula

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?

Basic Starting Point: The

System Must Serve

Children

Children inTraditional

Circumstances

AmericanIndians

Others At-RiskOf Failing to

Meet StandardsChildren in

Poverty

Limited English

Proficiency

Special NeedsUnder Section

504

Special NeedsUnder IDEA

Gifted and Talented

Unique Children

Differentiated Instruction and Servicesto Meet the Unique Needs of all Children

UpdatedTextbooks

Related ServicesSpecial Children

QualifiedParaprofessionalsSalary, Mandated

Benefits, Insurance

DesksWhiteboards andOther Equipment

AdequateSupplies

& Equipment

BroadCurriculum

UpdatedTechnology

RelevantProfessional

Development

High QualityTeachers, Salary

Mandated benefits,Insurance

Children

The Classroom Essentials

School FoodService

MaintenanceStaff &

Supplies

NursesSpeech

Path’s, O.T.

Utilities

Computer Lab

Gymnasium

Counseling

Library

Safety & Security

HealthyActivities

Auditorium

BuildingAdministration

& Support

ChildrenClassrooms

The School Essentials

Curriculum

Athletics andActivities

Facilities – Capital,

Operational

AdministrativeSupport

Business andFinancialFunctions

Transportation

Technology

Superintendent

School Board

ChildrenClassrooms

Schools

The District Essentials

The Legislature

Office of PublicInstruction

Business Community

Taxpayers

Citizens

The Board ofPublic Education Federal

Government

Governor

Trustees

Courts

Educators

Tribes

AdvocacyGroups

Parents

Stakeholders with a Responsibility for Involvementin Assessing and Meeting Educational Needs

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.