School districts across Montana are facing many of the same budget challenges as MCPS: flatlining or declining enrollment at the elementary level, the end of federal ESSER funding, and steep increases in the costs of goods and services. In response, some of the larger districts have proposed closing schools, shuttering programs, and reducing staff.

The nonprofit news organization Montana Free Press has an article describing the situation statewide: “Montana school leaders attribute budget crises to pandemic funding cliff, state funding frustrations.” 

This KTVH news segment includes a description of the state funding system’s role: “Montana’s largest school districts facing financial challenges.” 

Individual school district budget reports are available on the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.