School funding face-off

Democrats

It's a lesson we all should remember from school: Sometimes you have to do a little extra to get your work done.

When Governor Brian Schweitzer called the special session of the Montana Legislature together last week, there was some grumbling from the back of the class. Especially since the regular 2005 legislative session was an unusually productive one:

The Legislature finally defined a quality system of basic education.

And the Legislature provided an increase in K-12 school funding of $88 million.

Now, after a special session in which the Legislature just provided about $200 million more in education-related funding for 2007 for our state's public schools, everyone—teachers, students, parents and Montana's future employers—should be glad that we put in the extra effort.

That's real money that will make a real difference for our kids in classrooms across the state.

This special session produced increases in ongoing funding to:

?Recruit and retain teachers.

?Help schools assist at-risk students.

?Close the American Indian student achievement gap.

?And lay a strong foundation for Indian Education for All.

Lawmakers in special session also included a major one-time payment to strengthen the financial footing of the teachers' and public employees' retirement systems. We also helped Montana schools get ready for winter, with a significant payment for deferred maintenance and weatherization projects, as well as assistance with energy costs.

And, perhaps most importantly of all, the Legislature in special session adopted a sustainable, affordable, and equitable funding formula for communities across the state.

And, as usual under Gov. Schweitzer, the Legislature adopted this new funding under a balanced budget, without raising taxes. In fact, the money—$125 million—earmarked for the state's retirement systems will save the average Montana homeowner $76 in property taxes in the first year and provide additional savings in future years.

There's a lot of credit to go around because the Legislature worked together and got its work done in just two days. In addition to Gov. Schweitzer, I want to thank fellow legislative leaders and lawmakers, Superintendent Linda McCulloch, MEA-MFT and the rest of the education community for working with us to get more resources to our kids, teachers, and schools.

We showed how hard work, listening, working together, and focusing on what's really important can make a difference for our schools and children. It's how we can make Montana an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.

The 2005 Legislature made great strides in school funding. The 2007 Legislature will review school funding issues. And the 2009 Legislature will respond to the statewide school facility study. Montana lawmakers today can say the state has taken significant steps to begin adequately investing in our kids, teachers and schools.

Finally, being a former teacher and school board chairman, education has always been one of my top priorities. And I know Montana has great schools and great teachers. Now we must continue to work together to invest in our greatest natural resource—our children.

Senator Jon Tester (D-Big Sandy) is president of the Montana Senate and served on the

Quality Schools Interim Committee.