COMMUNITY CHOICE SCHOOLS

HB 562 (2023) authorized the establishment of Community Choice Schools with an autonomous state Community Choice School Commission under the general supervision of the Board of Public Education. The Choice Commission is administratively attached to the Board.

A Community Choice School means a tuition-free, public school open to all students in the state that has autonomy over school governing decisions including, but not limited to, matters concerning finance, personnel, scheduling, curriculum, and instruction as defined in its charter contract. Choice Schools are governed by independently selected school boards that must hold an election within three years of operating under a charter contract. Choice Schools are established and operated under the terms of a charter contract and allow parents to choose to enroll their children. Community Choice Schools must admit students based on a lottery if more students apply for admission than can be accommodated on their campus.

Community Choice Schools provide educational options that may include any or all grades from kindergarten through grade 12 and vocational education programs and will operate in pursuit of a specific set of educational objectives as defined in its charter contract.

Due to a pending lawsuit against the State of Montana, the Choice Commission may not accept or review applications for Choice Schools, nor may the Choice Commission approve charter contracts. At this time, the Choice Commission may convene, develop organizational and charter application policies, fundraise, and hire support staff.

Community Choice School Commission

The Community Choice Schools Commission is responsible for approving charter contracts for Community Choice Schools and for approving other authorizers, traditional school districts, to also authorize Choice Schools within their district boundaries. All members of the commission must have a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Choice Schools as a strategy for strengthening public education. This commission has state-wide jurisdiction and authority and is attached to the Board of Education for administrative purposes. The commission consists of the following seven members:

Two members appointed by the Governor:
- Trish Schreiber, Chair, Helmville, MT email
- Cathy Kincheloe, Whitefish, MT email
One member appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction:
- Jon Rutt, Treasurer, Laurel, MT email
One member appointed by the President of the Senate:
- Dee Brown, Hungry Horse, MT email
One member appointed by the Speaker of the House:
- Mark Hufstetler, Kalispell, MT email
One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate:
- Dr. Katey Franklin, Bozeman, MT email
One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives:
- Katy Wright, Vice Chair, Helena, MT email

Bylaws

Resources

Understanding Montana School Finance

Fillable Evaluation

States Will Have to Withdraw the Exclusive

Who Runs the Best US Schools?

Commission Meetings

November 1, 2023 | 1:00-5:00PM | Montana State Capitol, Room 102, Helena, MT | Audio Minutes l Agenda l Agenda Packet | Minutes