New voices join Montana’s charter school lawsuit
Three intervenors joined the ongoing litigation over House Bill 562 this week, arguing that the currently blocked law is critical to their plans to open specialized choice schools in their communities.
Latest education Reporting
Lawmakers renew education policy discussions
Lawmakers began exploring where the next wave of public school policy reforms might lead in the 2025 Legislature. But the broader goals so far appear unchanged, including addressing Montana’s teacher shortage and reshaping education to emphasize individual student achievement.
How Montana is paying the way in trades education
This spring, lawmakers upped state funding for Montana’s Advanced Opportunities program to $4 million a year, the bulk of which will go to covering out-of-pocket expenses for students charting their own course into the trades.
Judge blocks portion of law allowing charter schools in Montana
A state judge in Helena Wednesday blocked portions of a law passed by the 2023 Legislature to create a system of charter schools — or what supporters call “community choice schools” — in Montana.
No shouting. No name calling. Just award-winning local journalism for Montanans by Montanans.
Sign up for our free weekday newsletter.
MORE EDUCATION REPORTING
How Choteau area schools are tackling Montana’s teacher shortage
Ahead of the fall semester, schools across Montana were struggling to fill hundreds of open educator positions. But in Teton County, administrators reported they were on relatively stable footing, even as low pay and high housing prices continue to present challenges.
Montana’s community choice school commission takes shape
Gov. Greg Gianforte and other elected officials recently named their appointees to a new charter school commission created by the 2023 Legislature. Meanwhile, a judge in Helena is weighing whether to temporarily halt the law that authorizes community choice schools.
Montana schools working to comply with new state laws
School officials are working to update local policies to reflect a new batch of state education laws, and running into legal questions about parental rights and transgender protections in the process.
State superintendent Arntzen claims to have evidence for litter boxes in Montana schools
Asked for clarification, Office of Public Instruction staff said the agency has received “no formal complaints” over hot-button rumor, hasn’t investigated.
State officials partly restore OPI’s contracting authority
Montana’s Office of Public Instruction lost its authority this spring to award third-party contracts for goods and services. Now, a follow-up review by state officials has partly restored that authority, allowing OPI to authorize its own purchases up to $100,000.
State education forum addresses obscenity, religious expression in schools
In the second of four online discussions about recent changes to Montana education law, state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen focused Wednesday on a trio of bills that impact obscene materials and religious practices in the public school system.

Empower your community.
Power the press!
Fuel the future of independent, public-powered news in Montana. Become a member of Montana Free Press and help bring high-quality, independent journalism to more communities in our state.