News Release
School Renewal Commission Acts on School Improvement Recommendations
Next Meeting July 19
7/7/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
"The Commission is meeting its goals," said Lt. Governor Karl Ohs, the chair of the Commission. "Our work today on the regionalization of school services reflects how close we are to sending recommendations to the legislature. Also, our work on defining a quality education holds very exciting possibilities for schools in Montana."
The Regionalization Working Group report stated that the possible benefits
of a regionalized education system include developing greater efficiency in education, improving critical curricular areas, enhancing opportunities for students and educators, and creating significant cost savings. The group also states that a regionalized system will increase accountability,
communication, and coordination between local school districts. The report came after the working group met via videoconference with counterparts in Oregon, Arizona, Iowa, and Nebraska to identify best practices for regionalization.
As the Commission worked on a definition of quality education, they
discussed several cost analyses of previously identified components of a
quality education. Those items include extended learning day programs,
school readiness programs, and efforts for at-risk students. The Commission then adopted a proposal to examine a school district fund for school facilities. The next meeting of the Commission will begin the process for a final draft definition of quality education.
The Montana K-12 Public School Renewal Commission is a 28-member panel
authorized by HB 736 during the 58th Session of the Montana Legislature.
The commission is to examine the areas of public school funding,
governance, and revenue to make recommendations to the Interim Education and Local Government legislative committee by September 15.
The Commission meets again July 19, 2004.
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Kris Goss
Education Policy Advisor and Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
