School Reform is Unaffordable: Montana Taxpayers Would Pay $1,827 Per Household

How can we fix Montana’s schools? Do they need fixing? How are the students doing? How are the teachers doing?

Student proficiency in math and reading is at 40%; schools need fixing. Many students are being cheated.

I am a member of the School Funding Interim Commission, a group of twenty members appointed by the Legislature. We’ve met for months. We’re wrapping up the first of a 2-part process. We’ve looked at high-performing schools in other states and countries to find reforms that could be implemented in Montana. Part 2 is to examine the costs. The costs are staggering.

Universal Pre-K would cost $102 million a year, or $214 per MT household-on top of the school property tax the household is already paying.

Aid to schools for maintenance would cost $94 million a year, or $197 per MT household.

Aid for buildings would cost $222 million per year, or $466 per MT household.

More funds for special education would cost $292 million, or $613 per MT household.

To give a $10,000 raise to each member of the school staff and faculty would cost $125 million, or $263 per MT household.

There was discussion about subsidizing teachers’ housing.

To “fully fund” school-based mental health services would cost around $35 million, or $74 per MT household. That just hires the recommended number of psychologists and counselors. Other costs are involved.

$1,827 per year per household.

How much would all that taxing improve student proficiency? But little, I would guess.

The Commission had listening sessions around the state. Facilitators asked if Montana’s educational needs can be met at the current level of funding if officials can allocate funds efficiently and flexibly. “86% of Roadshow participants did not agree.” Public education advocates such as union members showed up. I’ve asked friends and family: Do you want your school taxes to go up? 100% said no.

I praise every good work done by teachers and administrators. Some students achieve much of their potential.

Improvement is very hard in a machine with so much friction. Self-interest is strong; collectives’ interests are strong. Proper incentives are few. The vigor of competition has been stamped out.
As a member of the commission, I advocate for improvements within existing revenues. I’m saying no to tax increases, either on your property taxes or your income taxes.

Written by Tom Burnett, Bozeman