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Budget Planning

Budget Planning Overview

Great Falls Public Schools is experiencing a budget shortfall driven by declining enrollment and the rising costs of inflation. In Montana, 81.3% of school funding is tied directly to student enrollment. Over the past six years, the Consumer Price Index has increased by 10.75% more than the inflationary adjustments provided by the state, which are capped at a maximum of 3% annually.

Montana schools are funded through a combination of state and local taxes. Thanks to careful management of federal ESSER funds over the past four years, the District is able to utilize reserve funds to address this year’s $2.5 million shortfall. However, we recognize that this is a temporary and unsustainable solution.

With enrollment projected to continue declining, Great Falls Public Schools is at a critical juncture. Without additional state support, difficult decisions will need to be made regarding the educational programs we can offer. Our priority remains providing a high-quality education for every student, and we will continue advocating for solutions that support this mission.

For more information in addition to the resources on this page, please visit District Budget Information.

Budget Breakdown Highlight Reels

Questions Asked and Answered

Budget Planning Process

Listening Sessions Held

Listening sessions were held to gather community input from various stakeholders.

  • October 28, 2024
    • 8:00-10:30 AM
    • 1:00-3:30 PM
    • 5:30-7:30 PM
  • October 29, 2024
    • 2:00-4:30 PM
    • 5:30-8:00 PM
  • October 30, 2024
    • 7:30-10:00 AM
    • 3:00-5:30 PM

Listening Sessions Synthesized

Consensus-Building Sessions Scheduled

Consensus-building group consisting of internal and external stakeholders will meet to use all points of information and begin to craft proposed solutions for the budget shortfalls.

  • First week of February
  • Future sessions TBD

Community Involvement Opportunities

  • Townhall Meeting, Thursday, March 6, 2025 
    • Time: 5:30 PM
    • Location: District Office Building, Aspen Room, 1100 4th St S
    • Purpose: You are invited to join Superintendent Hoyer and the Board Budget Committee in a presentation regarding 2025-2026 revenue and expense projections, review recommendations made by the consensus team, and frequently asked questions. Participants can ask additional questions and provide input. In order to prepare for the meeting, you are invited to review these websites for background information: School Budgeting 101 and District Budget Information.
  • Board Budget Committee Meeting, Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    • Time: 3:30 PM
    • Location: District Office Building, Birch/Cedar Room, 1100 4th St S
    • Purpose: The Board Budget Committee, made up of Trustees, Mark Finnicum (Budget Committee Chair), Bill Bronson, and Paige Turoski, will review revenue and expense projections as well as listen to public input as they formulate a recommendation to the full Board. They will consider options such as running a General Fund Budget operational levy, a technology levy, a safety levy, or the option of not running a levy.  
  • Regular Board Meeting, Monday, March 24, 2025
    • Time: 5:30 PM
    • Location: District Office Building, Aspen Room, 1100 4th St S
    • Purpose: Along with the regular agenda, the Board will consider the recommendations of the Board Budget Committee and take action to prepare for the 2025-2026 budget. In order to run a May levy election, the Trustees are required to set an amount, if any, at this meeting. Public comment will be on the agenda.