Per Student Spending for Area Schools Detailed

New numbers from the Montana Office of Public Instruction show school districts across northeast Montana continue to spend significantly more per student than many larger and growing districts elsewhere in the state.

The latest OPI per-pupil expenditure figures show Montana’s statewide average sits at roughly 13 to 14-thousand dollars per student annually.

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.

When compared to several growing Montana communities, the differences become even more noticeable.

Florence is estimated to spend roughly 10 to 12-thousand dollars per student, Three Forks approximately 11 to 12-and-a-half-thousand, and Columbus about 11 to 13-thousand dollars per student. Baker falls closer to the statewide average at around 13 to 15-thousand dollars annually per student.

Education officials say the higher costs in rural Montana are not necessarily tied to excessive spending, but instead reflect the realities of operating schools across vast geographic areas with smaller enrollments.

Many northeast Montana districts operate long bus routes and maintain buildings and staffing levels even with fewer students. Those fixed operational costs become significantly higher on a per-student basis when spread across small enrollments.

Federal funding also contributes to some districts’ totals, especially in schools serving larger percentages of at-risk students, Native American students and specialized education programs.

According to OPI, the per-pupil expenditure calculations include classroom instruction, administration, transportation, food service and operational expenses, but do not include debt payments or major construction projects.

The data also highlights a broader issue facing rural Montana schools. While western Montana districts such as Florence, Columbus and Three Forks continue experiencing enrollment growth, many northeast Montana districts are coping with declining enrollment, rising transportation costs and ongoing staffing shortages.

Under federal education reporting requirements, Montana schools must publicly report annual per-student spending figures so communities can compare how education dollars are spent statewide. (gems.opi.mt.gov) (opi.mt.gov)