This joint resolution from the Montana Legislature calls for an interim study on school district reorganization due to the state's low average school district enrollment and the fiscal challenges associated with funding quality education. With approximately 400 school districts serving 150,000 K-12 students, the resolution highlights the complications in school funding and accountability, as well as the need for potential reorganization to ensure taxpayer equity and educational opportunity. The resolution emphasizes that the intent of exploring administrative efficiencies is not to close rural schools but to enhance resources for classroom instruction and teacher compensation.

The resolution requests the Legislative Council to designate an appropriate interim committee to conduct the study, which will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including school district trustees, administrators, and the Office of Public Instruction. The committee is tasked with reviewing research on the impacts of school district reorganization, investigating how other states support small and isolated schools, examining existing Montana laws and funding mechanisms, and exploring alternatives that could achieve similar efficiencies. The study is to be completed by May 15, 2026, with findings reported to the 70th Legislature.