SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28
INTRODUCED BY J. BOHLINGER
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 ORGANIZATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN MONTANA AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE 59TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, there is widespread public interest in Montana in recognizing the economic reality of limited financial resources within the state, even for funding such an important public obligation as the state's public school system; and
WHEREAS, much public dialogue about conserving the state's limited resources and providing a basic quality public school system has centered on the possibility of more cost-efficient organization and administration of the state's numerous school districts; and
WHEREAS, it may be possible and desirable to reorganize the state's school districts and their many functions in order to deliver an adequate educational system in a more cost-effective manner.
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 to direct sufficient staff resources to conduct a study of the organization of K-12 public school districts in Montana, including but not limited to:
(1) the current organizational structure of elementary, high school, and K-12 school districts;
(2) the unification of elementary and high school districts into K-12 school districts; and
(3) the creation of one school district in each county in Montana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study address the impact of any school district organizational changes on:
(1) the school funding formula;
(2) school personnel, licensed and classified;
(3) school transportation;
(4) accreditation standards;
(5) extracurricular activities;
(6) school district trustees, including board composition and trustee elections; and
(7) any other issues considered appropriate.
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, 2004.
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 59th Legislature.
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