New Study Shows Montana Lags Behind Neighboring States When It Comes To Funding Students in Public Classrooms

A new analysis of public school spending shows Montana continues to lag behind many neighboring states when it comes to funding students in the classroom.

According to Fiscal Year 2024 Census data, Montana spends about $13,656 per student, ranking 39th nationally. That’s well below the national average of roughly $17,600 per pupil. If Montana funded schools at the national average, public schools statewide would receive an estimated $611 million more each year. Neighboring states such as Wyoming, North Dakota, Colorado, and Washington all spend significantly more per student than Montana.  

The spending gap becomes even more noticeable when comparing Montana to its neighbors. Wyoming spends more than $20,000 per student, North Dakota more than $17,000, and Washington more than $18,500 per pupil.  

Locally, the issue carries added importance in Valley County, where schools face many of the same challenges seen across rural Montana. Glasgow schools serve hundreds of students across a large geographic area, requiring transportation services, special education programs, technology investments, and efforts to recruit and retain teachers in a competitive market.

Earlier data compiled for Valley County showed Glasgow schools educate roughly 700 students, meaning even modest changes in per-pupil funding can have a significant impact on local budgets. A funding increase of just $1,000 per student would translate into approximately $700,000 annually for Glasgow schools alone.

Among northeast Montana schools, Frazer reports some of the highest estimated spending totals in the state at more than 30-thousand dollars per student. Hinsdale is estimated between 24 and 28-thousand dollars per student, while Nashua falls between 22 and 25-thousand.

Poplar is estimated at roughly 20 to 22-thousand dollars per student. Scobey spends about 18 to 21-thousand, while Wolf Point comes in near 18 to 20-thousand dollars annually per student. Harlem is estimated between 17 and 19-thousand dollars.

Closer to the statewide average are Malta at approximately 15 to 16-thousand dollars per student and Glasgow at roughly 14 to 15-thousand dollars annually.

Supporters of increased funding argue Montana’s rural districts face unique challenges because of long bus routes, declining enrollment in some communities, and difficulties attracting educators. Others contend the focus should remain on improving educational outcomes and ensuring current dollars are spent efficiently.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction notes that per-pupil spending includes teacher salaries and benefits, instructional support, administration, transportation, food services, and federally funded education programs.  

As lawmakers prepare for future budget discussions, the debate over how much Montana should invest in public education—and how those dollars are distributed—will likely remain a major issue for communities across the state, including right here in Valley County.