This bill aims to revise the requirements for creating a new high school district by allowing multiple adjacent elementary districts with a combined Average Number Belonging (ANB) of at least 1,000 to contract for the formation of a new high school district, contingent upon the approval of the electors in each elementary district. It also provides for the passage of a bond to finance the construction or outfitting of a high school building and outlines procedures for establishing a budget and funding for the new district. Additionally, the bill delays the construction of approved high school facilities until July 1, 2025, and mandates that the former high school district continue to provide instruction during a transition period.

The bill includes amendments to several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 20-6-104, 20-9-366, 20-9-439, and 20-9-502, to clarify responsibilities and requirements throughout the process of establishing a new high school district. The legislation is designed to streamline the creation of new high school districts while ensuring that educational services are maintained during the transition. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0707_1.pdf: 20-6-104, 20-9-366, 20-9-439, 20-9-502
HB0707_2.pdf: 20-6-104, 20-9-366, 20-9-439, 20-9-502
Amended: 20-6-104, 20-9-366, 20-9-439, 20-9-502
Introduced: 20-6-104, 20-9-366, 20-9-439, 20-9-502