Broadus School Board Opts Out of Teacher Pay Initiative Amid Concerns
In a pivotal meeting on May 12, the Broadus school board in southeast Montana voted against participating in the STARS Act, a new bipartisan initiative aimed at increasing starting teacher salaries. After a lengthy discussion, board Chair Rob Jones noted a lack of motion to adopt the proposal, signifying a tacit consensus among trustees. This decision positions Broadus as one of just 25 districts statewide to opt out, with approximately 94% of Montana’s 400 districts committing to the act by the May 15 deadline.
The STARS Act sets starting teacher salaries at roughly $41,500 in the first year, aiming to address mounting inflation and enhance education quality. However, Broadus Superintendent Jim Hansen highlighted the challenges of meeting these benchmarks sustainably, citing concerns that future legislative changes could impose heavier financial burdens on local taxpayers. Currently, the district’s starting salary for teachers will be $35,153, a decrease from last year due to changes in funding models.
State leaders attempted to alleviate concerns, asserting that funding for the STARS initiative is incorporated into the state’s education budget. Yet, skepticism remains, with other small districts, like Fortine Elementary, echoing similar worries about long-term affordability. Jones emphasized the need for more time to evaluate the complexities of the STARS Act.
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