SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19
INTRODUCED BY S. KITZENBERG
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DESIGNATE AN APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE OR ASSIGN SUFFICIENT STAFF RESOURCES TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF DECLINING ENROLLMENT ON THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA IN MONTANA AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE 58TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, in 1993, when Montana's current school funding formula was enacted with the passage of House Bill No. 667, school enrollments were increasing dramatically; and
WHEREAS, by the mid-1990s school enrollments had leveled off; and
WHEREAS, since 1998, school enrollments have steadily declined and this decline is expected to continue into the near future; and
WHEREAS, declining enrollments mean less revenue for schools but do not necessarily mean a commensurate drop in school expenditures; and
WHEREAS, because of a cap on district general fund budgets, many school districts are unable to request additional revenue from local taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, this situation of declining enrollments and budget caps is forcing many school districts to make drastic cuts in programs and personnel.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine the current school funding formula to determine if the formula can be revised to address the effects of declining enrollments on school budgets without jeopardizing the equalization of school funding.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2002.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 58th Legislature.
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