HELENA — Montana senators have advanced a bill to allow elementary school districts with at least 1,000 students to create a high school district.
Senate Bill 107 passed second reading 34-16 on Wednesday and was referred to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. It faces a final floor vote before moving to the House.
The measure would allow residents in the East Helena, Lockwood and Missoula’s Hellgate districts the option to vote to create a high school district and build a high school.
Proponents cite local control and say students would be able to pursue more before- and after-school activities if they didn’t have to travel so far for class.
Opponents say the splits would cost every district, would not necessarily correlate with better education.