Montana Teachers Seek Financial Relief Amid Rising Challenges
In Montana, the quest for financial stability among educators is prompting many to explore options beyond the state’s borders. Molly Blakely, a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience at the University of Montana, reveals that her students frequently inquire about teaching opportunities in other states, driven by financial concerns.
Despite the state’s commendable efforts in training teachers, as noted by Blakely, a significant number continue to leave Montana. This issue has prompted educators to advocate for House Bill 252, also known as the STARS Act, designed to enhance teacher salaries and retain talent.
“Those teachers are leaving for one reason, and one reason only, and it’s for finances,” said Blakely, who also serves as the superintendent of Hellgate Elementary School District in Missoula.
Superintendent Dale Olinger from Lolo echoes this sentiment, highlighting the increasing difficulty in both recruiting and retaining teachers. Many educators in his district have resorted to sharing housing and taking on second jobs to make ends meet.
“I have many staff with a side hustle,” Olinger stated. “It used to be a joke. Now, it’s not.”
A Department of Labor and Industry Report from December 2024 indicates that 26% of Montana’s teachers hold secondary jobs, earning an additional $4,700 on average, which boosts their pay by about 8%.
The STARS Act proposes allocating an extra $185,000 to districts like Olinger’s, with benefits extending to special education cooperatives and district clerks. Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, the bill’s sponsor, outlines its broader goals, including addressing inflation gaps and offering incentives for student advancement.
Montana’s struggle with competitive teacher pay is evident, as legislation from 2023 only reached half of the school districts due to data collection issues by the Office of Public Instruction. According to the DLI report, the average starting salary for full-time entry-level teachers in Montana was $38,800 in the 2022-2023 school year, significantly lower than the national average of $44,530.
Neighboring states like Idaho and Wyoming offer more competitive starting salaries, further exacerbating the issue. The Coalition of Advocates for Montana Public Schools describes the STARS Act as a crucial step in improving school funding, aiming to increase base salaries and enhance learning opportunities.
During a recent meeting, educators, parents, and trustees voiced overwhelming support for the bill, with no opposition. However, concerns were raised about the lack of provisions for veteran teachers and potential challenges posed by funding tied to salary benchmarks.
Melissa Smith from the Kalispell Education Association emphasized the importance of the bill, especially in light of recent contract negotiations and school levy failures. Yet, she expressed apprehension that districts unable to meet the salary increase requirements might miss out on funding.
The bill includes a voluntary incentive for districts to raise starting teacher pay from 62% to 70% of the average pay, aiming to narrow the salary gap between new and experienced educators in Montana. Lance Melton of the Montana School Boards Association noted that other states with similar rankings usually pay starting teachers about 70% of the average teacher salary.
Support for the bill extends beyond educators, with endorsements from various government agencies, nonprofits, and the Governor’s Office. Dylan Klapmeier, representing Gov. Greg Gianforte, highlighted the administration’s $100 million commitment to boosting teacher pay and improving student outcomes, with a focus on early college and career preparation.
In addition to addressing pay disparities, the bill seeks to reduce urban-rural inequalities, offering stipends for housing in expensive districts and encouraging resource sharing among schools. Jacob Warner, an award-winning math teacher, views the STARS Act as a positive initial measure to enhance education, though he emphasizes the need for broader salary increases amid rising class sizes and budgetary constraints.
Ultimately, the STARS Act has garnered widespread backing, with stakeholders like Steve Thennis of MOFE and Keaton Sunchild of Western Native Voice applauding its potential impact on education costs and support for rural schools. As Montana grapples with the challenge of retaining its teaching talent, the proposed legislation offers a hopeful path forward.
