Governor wants Montana schools to find efficiencies in administration

January 8, 2008

Gov. Brian Schweitzer warned education leaders Monday not to expect another big hike in funding, because recent catch-up increases were funded with some one-time money.

During an editorial board meeting at The Billings Gazette Monday, Schweitzer used bar graphs that showed that under his administration, K-12 education enjoyed a 9.2 percent increase, or more than $100 million, in new funding over the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years.

The governor was apparently responding to a recent Gazette State Bureau story that said despite the funding increase, more than 170 Montana school districts are facing potential layoffs and budget cuts.

By JAN FALSTAD Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/01/08/news/local/24-funds_v.txt