Amanda Curtis

The Montana Legislature’s flagship policy aimed at boosting pay for new teachers is headed to the governor’s desk. A bipartisan group of lawmakers and public education advocates have cheered the so-called STARS Act. But, the policy is far from a cure-all for the financial issues plaguing public schools.

A first-of-its-kind state report on teacher pay in Montana shows the average educator can’t afford housing and receives wages that haven’t kept pace with inflation.

This time around, we’re unpacking an answer to a tricky education question: "Why is Montana ranked one of the last in the nation for teacher salary, and how might this be changing in the next legislative session?"

Montana’s head of public K-12 schools announced she’s seeking applicants for members to be on a seven-member panel to oversee the formation of public charter schools.

Montana lawmakers are considering proposals allowing public charter school options and tax credits for parents who send special needs students to private schools.

A Gallatin County District Court Judge last week ruled that the state cannot enforce three laws on college campuses passed during the 2021 legislative session. The laws ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports; prohibit groups from registering voters in dorms or dining halls; and craft new guidelines for harassment and free speech policies on college campuses.

Montana’s largest labor union filed a lawsuit today against Montana’s secretary of state over same-day voting registration restrictions passed during the 2021 legislative session.

The Montana Supreme Court has denied requests to consider the legality of four laws impacting public universities, including one that would allow concealed carry of firearms on campuses.

In separate actions, Montana’s public higher education officials and the state’s largest union for public employees are suing the state over laws that…

A Montana lawmaker introduced a bill Monday that would require public unions, not employers, to collect dues from members. Union representatives oppose the bill.