Archive: November 2023

Opening of Senior-focused Primary Care Clinics to Expand Access for Seniors

7 November 2023
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Humana  and Greater Good Health have announced the opening of primary care clinics in Missoula, Billings and Great Falls, Montana. 

The clinics are in-network with all Humana Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans offered in Montana, as well as a Humana Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan for certain patients qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid. Greater Good Health will also see patients with Original Medicare.

Greater Good Health’s value-based, senior-focused clinics will have a strong commitment to delivering high-quality care and addressing the specific needs of senior patients through prevention, condition management, and coordinated care.

The first Greater Good Health clinic to open will start seeing patients in Missoula at 2230 North Reserve Street today, Oct. 30, 2023, followed by the Billings location at 1423 38th Street W, Ste. 3, which is scheduled to open on Nov. 27, 2023.  There are also plans for a third location to open by the end of this year in Great Falls at 405 3rd Street NW. 

“Greater Good Health is focused on simplifying and coordinating care while educating and empowering seniors,” said Jesse Gamez, Humana Intermountain Medicare President. “I am so grateful to have helped bring this new model of healthcare to the state of Montana, which will expand access to primary care to a rapidly growing senior population.”

“Physician shortages have created massive gaps in healthcare,” said Greater Good Health Founder & CEO Sylvia Hastanan. “Meanwhile, seniors across Montana struggle with access to primary care, and we are responding to the needs of the community by opening comprehensive primary care clinics in partnership with Humana.

Op-Ed:  Supreme Court Considers Tax Case of the Century

7 November 2023
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By Olivia Johnston, Mountain States Policy Center

Is the U.S. Supreme Court posed to slam the door shut on efforts by some to impose wealth taxes across the country?

We may soon find out.

Multiple states, Idaho and Montana included, along with over 25 organizations have filed amicus briefs in favor of a Washington state couple, Charles and Kathleen Moore, against the United States, for what is anticipated to be the biggest tax case to reach the Supreme Court of the United States in several decades.

This upcoming term, the highest court will hear Moore v. United States, which is on appeal from the 9th Circuit. This litigation poses the Court with the ultimate question: is a realization event necessary for the federal government to impose a tax? A realization event occurs when a taxpayer has money in their hands.

Here is what we know about the case: The Moores hold an 11% ownership interest in KisanKraft, a farming manufacturing company operating out of India. Since the Moores bought in, the company has done exceptionally well, with profits increasing each passing year. The Moores are seeing gains on paper from their overseas investment, but they haven’t cashed in here in the United States. They were taxed on this increase in investment value, which only existed on paper.

The Moores’ position is that the tax imposed is unconstitutional under the Sixteenth Amendment and numerous prior court rulings. The Moores argue that the Ninth Circuit essentially took away the constitutional limit of the federal government to only tax what is deemed as income, and that, “This case is the cleanest vehicle the Court will ever see to address realization under the Sixteenth Amendment.”

The dispute arose due to Section 965 of the Internal Revenue Code, the repatriation tax, being applied to the Moores. This tax was a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, requiring U.S. corporations operating outside of the country to transfer wealth back, a one-time tax. The portion affecting the Moores requires that any person who holds more than 10% of a foreign company that is composed of over 50% U.S. ownership, also called a “CFC”, is subject to taxation; realization event, or not. The Moores were placed in this category due to their 11% ownership in KisanKraft, a CFC. Sec. 965 was codified to combat companies leaving the U.S. and making their money elsewhere.

The government’s position is that while it is true that the government has not historically implemented a tax without realization, “the Supreme Court has made clear that realization of income is not a constitutional requirement. Essentially, the government seeks to overturn the definition put forth in Glenshaw Glass, that “undeniable accessions to wealth” are taxable.

The government seeks to broaden what constitutes a taxable event. If the Court decides in favor of the Moores, it is likely the Court will attempt to sever the statutory language. This would be the easiest solution, as it would allow for the single clause of the repatriation tax to discontinue while maintaining the other portions of the Trump tax legislation, and there is a strong presumption of severability.

If the Court sides with the government, this decision would have great implications for Americans – both financially, and administratively. Not only would the government create greater amounts of paperwork for the taxpayer and the government, but it would also tax money that individuals don’t actually have, in their hands.

The greater concern this case presents is the impact on the legality of wealth taxes.

The National Taxpayers Union Foundation amicus brief offers what several Mountain State policy analysts believe the Court will do; “This Court could uphold the MRT for C corporations but excuse individuals such as the Moores. This Court could determine that the MRT does not violate the realization requirement because the business realized them even if the individuals did not receive a distribution.”

Under this likely approach, the purpose of the MRT is maintained while upholding the constitutionality of a realization requirement.

The Moore name might be on the documents, but there are many Americans whose interests could be significantly hindered if the government prevails. This is not a Court that has shown a desire to increase tax liability. It is unlikely the majority will be receptive to accepting the Solicitor General’s arguments on behalf of the government during oral arguments.

But, as lawyers say daily, it depends.

ONEOK, Oil Company, Acquires Magellan Midstream Partners

7 November 2023
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ONEOK, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (Magellan), creating a more diversified North American midstream infrastructure company focused on delivering essential energy products and services to its customers, and continued strong returns to investors.

Said Pierce H. Norton II, ONEOK president and chief executive officer, “Our expanded products platform will present additional opportunities in ONEOK’s core businesses and further enhance the resiliency of our company. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition aimed at delivering on the many benefits of this combination for our customers, employees and shareholders.”

ONEOK, Inc. is a midstream service provider and owns one of the nation’s premier natural gas liquids (NGL) systems, connecting NGL supply in the Rocky Mountain, (including Montana) Permian and Mid-Continent regions with key market centers and owns an extensive network of gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage assets.

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. is a publicly traded partnership that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. Magellan owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation’s refining capacity, and can store more than 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil.

Newly Licensed Businesses September 2023

7 November 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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Montana Rental Homes LLC, 6151 Farmstead Ave Unit 102, 59101, 230-1347, Brodi Hart, real estate

rental

KG Concrete Design, 249 Coburn Rd, 59101, 672-9487, Keith Gausen, general contractors

Recovery Management Solutions LLC dba RMS Montana, 9026 Kautzman Rd, 59101, 888-393-6880, Look

Enterprises, service

Wild Whisk LLP, 5408 Corner Stone, 59106, 927-5149, Joseph Chambers, retail sales

Schelly Rentals, 6107 Northstead Ave, 59101, 209-2650, Schnelback/McNulty, real estate rentals

Hanson Builders MT Inc, 1110 Radiant Ct, 59106, 794-2171, Lee Hanson, general contractor

Briggs Music Creations LLC, 501 S 44 th St W Apt 2-1026, 59106, 270-7995, Jaqueline Briggs, service

Cederberg Therapies, 2411 Arvin Ln, 59102, Joshua Cederberg, service

Branded Image Group, 227 E Emory Rd, Powell TN 37849, 865-328-8308, general contractors

Growing Minds Childcare, 320 Viceroy St, 59101, 861-8308, Brytne Najar, miscellaneous

Kyle Ryan, 736 Lewis Ave, 59101, 804-212-6607, Kyle Ryan, miscellaneous

Hannah Tippet Healing LLC, 2048 Overland Ave Ste 201-Unit B, 698-1546, Hannah Tippet, service

Underriner Wholesale LLC, 3657 Pierce Parkway, 59106, 255-2322, William Underriner, wholesale

Full Throttle BBQ, 6311 Bear Paw Dr N, 59106, 697-6681, Adrian Mantei, restaurants

Confetti Heart Studio, 2821 2 nd Ave N, 59101, 598-1956, Elizabeth Regale, service

Manbitto LLC, 234 Grand Ave, 59101, 694-9237, Maria Bates, restaurants

Metropolitan Security Services Inc, Walden Security, 59101, 423-702-8200, Amy Walden, service

Softball With Morgan, 2795 Enterprise Ave Unit 3, 59102, 241-8502, Morgan McGinnis, service

Vibe Marketing & Events, 928 Broadwater Ave #230, 59102, 697-4112, Elizabeth Pincolini, service

Speers Construction, 512 Avenue F, 59102, 697-3308, Justin Speers, general contractors

Weston-Techlaw JV, LLC, 711 Central Ave, 59101, 703-818-1000, Belinda Smith, service

B.A.M. Janitorial, 358 Westchester SQ S, 59105, 696-0356, Macrow/Gates, service

Grossman Properties, 530 Sioux Lane, 59105, 259-6151, Rudy Grossman, general contractors

Counting On, 4917 Piegan Trail, 59106, 346-0123, Wendolyn Hengst, service

Black Rattler Asphalt LLC, 333 Feldspar Way, 59106, 855-7883, Scott Mackney, service

Five Brothers, 3907 Palisades Park Dr, 59102, 973-766-4202, Mahmod Suleiman, general contractors

Benner Contracting, 3630 Broadwater Ave, 59102, 672-6047, Les Benner, general contractor

Waffle Cones LLC, 358 Westchester Sq S, 59105, 696-0356, Matt & Nicole Macrow, restaurants

Anderson Mills LLC, 2103 Morocco Dr, 59105, 927-6576, Luke Anderson, service

Tiffany Dalton, 1402 Valley Heights Rd, 59105, 698-0229, Tiffany Dalton, service

Wyo-Ben Inc, 1345 Discovery Dr, 59102, 652-6351, Amanda Goertz, service

Wyo-Ben Pet, 1621 S 32 nd St W, 59102, 652-5257, Amanda Goertz, manufacturing

HR Painting, 506 ½ Howard Ave, 59101, 630-947-6002, Karen Schroeder, general contractors

Tonya Homecare, 234 Alderson Ave, 59101, 598-6148, Tonya Oberg, service

Booth and Sons Hauling, 1130 PK Rd, Shepherd 59079, 384-3430, Colby Booth, service

Tony Ennenega CPA PC, 201 N Broadway 7B, 59101, 425-457-2277, Tony Ennenga, service

RKM Enterprises Inc dba Bad Boys Cycles, 201 Enterprise Ave Ste A, 59102, 248-7203, Roy Mills, service

Kiayah Wendel LMT, 141 Avenue E, 59102, 696-6351, Kiayah Wendel, service

HC West LLC dba A&D Fire, 6900 Kesltrel Dr, Missoula 59808, 360-7726, Cliff Gilliam, service

Madshire LLC, 2901 Monad Rd #141, 59102, 671-1849, Stephen Clayton , retail sales

Boomin Boba Tea LLC, 5555 Forest Hills Dr, 860-0664, Charles Solem, restaurants

Global Travel Adventures, 2817 Lewis Ave, 59102, 698-8335, Tamara Bailey, service

Discreet Notary Services, 2975 Canyon Dr, 59102, 200-1360, Michaela Rimer, service

Gutter Vac Pro, 3000 La Paz Dr, 59101, 861-7757, Nicholas O’Connor, service

Green Horizon, 3000 La Paz Dr, 59101, 861-7757, Nicholas O’Connor, service

Intermountain Wind and Solar LLC, 1041 N 950 W Ste 5000, Centerville UT, 84014, Mark Allred, service

Miquel Construction, 1201 Cook Ave, 59102, 839-8812, Miquel Gasca, general contractor

Chris Mountsier Drywall & Paint, 1110 Locomotive Circle, laurel 59044, 696-9322, Chris Mountsier,

service

Pentacron Industries, 1205 Yellowstone Apt A, 59102, 670-1491, Knight Johnston, general contractors

Cannasseur Tour LLC, 7 King Henry Place, 59105, 794-5069, Brendon Hanser, service

Creekside Construction of Montana LLC, 7 Beacon Trail, Clancy 59634, 240-9549, Matt & Teresa Grange,  general contractors

Arlos Tire Service LLC, 16 Gold Pan Ln, 59105, 671-9776, Alan Johnson, service

PSBS Enterprise LLC, 3909 S Tanager Ln, 59102, 875-0792, Pamela Stanford, service

Gray Ghost Contracting, 758 Aquarius Pl, 59105, 606-2887, Jake Routh, general contractors

Riddle & Sons LLC, 6631 Brave Lookout, Shepherd 59079, 690-7473, Riley Riddle, general contractors

406 Carpet Cleaning, 2938 Springfield Ave, 59101, 850-4183, Rob Tinineko, service

TF General Services, 803 Siesta Ave, 59105, 672-0980, Trenton Frasca, general contractors

A Buyers Choice Home Inspections, 2131 Entrada Rd, 59105, 200-2660, James & Kellie Meek, service

MJ Rogers LLC, 306 N 29th St, 59101, 672-4429, Joel Rodgers, real estate rental

Dreamland Construction, 610 Richard St, 59101, 200-0397, Tyrel Moore, general contractors

Asset Management Professionals, 1668 Gleneagles Blvd, Ste 2, 59105, n/a Dawn White, service

Vibe Up and Thrive LLC, 2323 Rimrock Rd, 59102, 371-5215, Robert Evans, service

MNMT Investments, 1502 Glacier Peak Cir Unit 3, 59101, 845-6741, Matthew Mikkelson, general contractors

Glasser Solar Inc, 8376 E 132nd Dr, Thornton CO 80602, 303-557-2265, Alyssa Bosselli, service

Oasis, 543 Aronson Ave, 59105, 969-3800, Chuck Barthuly, general contractors

Faction Constructors LLC, 10 Wagon Trail Rd, 321-2929, Teri Heinen, general contractors

Medevals of Montana, 2501 St Johns Ave, STE C, 59102, 949-235-3593, Nancy Milby, service

Potelco Inc, 205 S Washington Ave, Laurel 59044, 253-863-3593, Potelco Inc, service

Journey to Healing, 2812 1st Ave N Ste 425, 59101, 272-6583, Tia Robinette, service

The Good Rest Wellness LLC, 2215 Broadwater Ave, 59102, 272-4903, Chelsea Horn, solo practicioner

Shoot Pool and Relax, 4104 Buchanan Ave, 59101, 855-3671, Sarah Muhs, real estate rentals

Royal Roofing, 7472 Edmonson Ave NE, Monticell MN 55362, 763-295-0540, Staci Revering, roofing contractors

Montana Highlights November 1, 2023

7 November 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has voted to approve the acquisition of a new wildlife management area proposed for the Lower Yellowstone River. The Wildcat Bend Wildlife Management Area is located in Rosebud County. The property is about 2.5 miles downstream from the Far West Fishing Access Site east of Forsyth. It is a 328 acre site

The Missoula Airport has announced that Sun Country Airlines, will make its debut on June 26, 2024. The airline will offer nonstop flights to their Minneapolis/St. Paul hub twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday, until late August.

Mazevo Coffee is constructing a 1,614-square-foot building that will be located at 2500 Brooks Street in Missoula. This will be the 6th Mazevo Coffee location in Montana.

Sun Country Airlines is also coming to the Billings Logan International Airport with new seasonal air service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Sun Country is a Minneapolis-based airline known for providing affordable travel options. Beginning in June, passengers can book Sun Country flights between Billings and Minneapolis-Saint Paul on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The complete renovation and rebuild of the iconic Wagon Wheel Bar in Choteau is nearing completion with the opening coming soon, The new “Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill” will feature a full-service bar and restaurant.

The Gallatin County Commissioners recently approved a dormitory-style employee housing building in Big Sky. The Powder Light Subdivision will have another residential building for affordable employee housing at Big Sky. The new structure will offer 12 residential units and one commercial space.

Montana’s Trail to the Stars, a project that guides visitors to sites where they can view the night skies, has received a national award for collaboration. Montana’s Trail to the Stars won the Excellence in Tourism Collaboration Award, presented at the 2023 National Extension Tourism Conference.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Montana in spring 2022. While HPAI cases in wild birds declined over the summer, but it has been detected in some parts of Montana this fall. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is testing wild birds that display symptoms

Despite an even broader reservation system in 2023, visitation to Glacier National Park is up over last year. Overall visitation through August was 2.249 million, which is an increase of 1.7% over last year.

In 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were 48,165 new residents that moved to Montana from other places, an 8.1% increase from the 44,531 new residents that came in 2021. Washington topped the list of states where new Montana residents came from in 2022. Montana also lost 38,483 people to other states in 2022, for a net population gain of less than 10,000.

The sting of high natural gas prices to heat your home over the past two winters is expected to ease for the upcoming heating season, which runs November through March. Montana-Dakota Utilities anticipates natural gas prices to be about 30 percent less than last winter. The company projects that the average residential customer will pay about $450 for the five-month winter season, or $90 a month; that is down about $200 from last winter, or a decrease of $40 a month.

Fire was discovered at the historic Jordan Inn property in downtown Glendive last week with the Dawson County Dispatch Center receiving a call at approximately 10 p.m. The Glendive Fire Department determiend that the entire 3 story building was compromised. The Jordan Inn had been condemned for 10 years, and was shuttered since 2013.

Jessie and Kyna Williams haved opened Switchback CrossFit gym at 33 Second Avemue East in Kalispell. The building was previously an abandoned truck repair shop.

Montana has a new draft plan to guide its management of wolves, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced. The Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan drafted by FWP would replace the 20-year-old document that’s guided Montana’s approach to managing wolves since 2011. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks will be taking comments on the plan through Dec. 19 and is hosting a series of meetings around the state to answer questions related to the plan starting Dec. 7. The plan can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/wolfproposal

Missoula City Council  and Missoula County Commissioners have each allocated $1 million toward the acquisition of Marshall Mountain, a former ski area and now popular recreational area in Missoula County. The property is being sold for $3.2 million. The area is expected to serve  backcountry skiing and other year-round recreation.

Williston, ND has been awarded the 2027 14-year-old Babe Ruth World Series to be held at Ardean Aafedt Stadium. This will be the sixth time that Williston has hosted the series.

Gov. Greg Gianforte presented his annual Forest Products Award to J. Shar Timber Harvesting, a family-owned and operated cut-to-length timber enhancement company in Libby.  J. Shar, Timber Harvesting sustainably harvests timber using tethered logging equipment. The Forest Products Award recognizes an outstanding person or entity for their work to actively manage Montana forests, responsibly develop forested resources.

A regional seed sales company operating in North Dakota and Montana is taking the first step towards developing a seed-crushing plant in northwest North Dakota. Buckshot Seeds was recently awarded grant funding from local government to do a feasability study. Buckshot Co-Owner Mark Erickson said the plant would mainly crush canola, creating a high-quality feed for cattle. The oil produced from the crushed canola would be sent to overseas fish farms, which are in high demand.

The Young Automotive Group held a grand opening for Young Mazda Missoula dealership. Young Automotive Group president Spencer Young Jr. said. “Our group is new to Montana and the city of Missoula.” It was previously Flanagan Motors Mazda.

MDT Proposes I-94 Resurface Project

7 November 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announced a proposal to resurface approximately 6.5 miles of Interstate 94, east of Billings in Yellowstone County. The project begins about one mile east of Huntley and extends east for 6.5 miles, ending approximately two miles west of Ballantine.

Proposed work includes full width crack sealing, applying a seal and cover (chip seal) to the travel lanes, and fog sealing the shoulders. Work will also include bridge deck repair, upgraded pavement markings, signage, and guardrail replacement. The purpose of the project is to preserve and extend the service life of the existing asphalt, and enhance roadway safety features.

Construction is tentatively planned for 2027 depending on completion of design and availability of funds. No new right-of-way or utility relocations will be needed.

MDT welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at http:// www.mdt.mt.gov/ contact/ comment- form.aspx or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Billings office, PO Box 20437, Billings, MT 59104-0437.

Lockwood’s S-Bar-S Building Sold to Ranch House Meats

7 November 2023
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By Michael J. Marino, Yellowstone County News

Originally constructed in 2006, the 22,500 sq. ft. S-Bar-S building in Lockwood will soon transform into a third location for Ranch House Meat & Sausage Company, a locally owned meat processing business, after a sale which was finalized in August.

S Bar S owner Ryan Stichman said, “We have no plans on shutting our doors.  January 1, 2022, I purchased S Bar S from my uncle, Tom Stichman.  I am the 3rd generation Stichman to own the business.” 

Stichman said his family has been looking at ways to downsize the store for a few years. They plan to break ground on a new, smaller lumber and hardware store late this fall or in early winter, as well as to renovate their original building to use as offices.

In the meantime, Stichman said S Bar S will lease an area of their old store from Ranch House as they prepare to move.

“We are excited about our future and our ongoing support of the Lockwood community that we have had since 1971,” wrote Stichman.

Ranch House Meats owner, Shane Flowers, said he plans to maintain the company’s two existing locations, which include one off Henesta Drive in West Billings, the other in Shepherd along Highway 312. Both stores sell hand-cut Montana beef, pork, and bacon as well as various smoked meats. In addition, the Shepherd location also offers custom smokehouse meats and private labeling.

What’s in store for the eventual third location off Old Hardin Road in Lockwood?

“It’s going to be strictly manufacturing,” said Flowers, “It’s going to be smoked products only.” He said, although a small area near the front of the building will serve as a retail environment where one can buy retail meat products, most of the space will be dedicated to “value added production” like snack sticks, jerky, and summer sausage.

The feedback from Lockwood residents as to this retail location has been “really positive,” according to Flowers. “I think, as a company, we will hopefully be an asset to the community, providing some jobs and tax base as well for them, [with] the amount of production we’re anticipating on doing.”

Flowers says he’s been eyeing the S-Bar-S building ever since it first went up for sale several years ago, noting its layout and open floor plan which would allow him to “build out the way we want it.” He also predicts that it will “create a great visual” for his future clients.

The decision to purchase the S-Bar-S building rather than expand the company’s existing locations was made for a couple of reasons. The first is that Flowers expects he will need “a fair amount of labor” to ramp up production work. “It’s going to be a lot easier to pull labor the closer we are to Billings,” he explained.

Flowers further said he looked into adding on to the Shepherd store but found the cost to be fairly significant due to the building running off less advanced utilities like wells and septic tanks.

As far as an opening date for the new Ranch House Meats location, Flowers told Yellowstone County News nothing is set in stone yet because some items, like equipment orders and construction supplies, are still being ironed out. However, as soon as the site is ready to launch, the company intends to make an official announcement.

Lockwood Gets New Fire Chief

7 November 2023
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Branden Stevens, the current Fire Chief for the Miles City Fire Department in Miles City, Montana, will be the new Fire Chief for The Lockwood Fire District. He will assume his new position on December 1, 2023.

The Lockwood Fire District Board of directors made the announcement on Tuesday after interviewing four potential candidates, last Friday, who submitted resumes during a nationwide search.

Stevens will replace current Fire Chief John Staley who has announced his retirement.

Chief Staley has been with the Lockwood Fire District since 2014, and was previously the Fire Chief in Thornton Colorado. Chief Staley also served with the Billings Fire Department for 26 years.

“We are excited to have been able to attract such and experienced and enthusiastic individual as our new Fire Chief” said board member Frosty Erben. The board had 18 applications from various states and organizations. The Fire Board narrowed the choices to four candidates and had them attend an assessment center process to determine the best fit for Lockwood. Chief Stevens distinguished himself in that process.

Chiefs Stevens is the 4th career Fire Chief in Lockwood’s brief existence, since 1988.

James Allen Joins Stockman Insurance

7 November 2023
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James Allen recently joined Stockman Insurance as an agent in Billings. His responsibilities include developing and servicing new client relationships and assisting them with both their business and personal insurance needs.

 Allen, a licensed insurance agent has a strong background in sales, which will be an asset for Stockman Insurance as they continue to grow in the communities that they serve. He is currently working towards his Associate’s degree in Business Management from Montana State University Billings. He is active in the community serving on the City of Billings Community Development Board and volunteering for Billings TrailNet Ales for Trails. He will also participate in Stockman related events.

Stockman Insurance, an affiliate of Stockman Bank of Montana, is a full-service insurance agency offering most lines of insurance. Their mission is to become the preferred leader in agribusiness, commercial and personal insurance by serving their clients’ needs with personalized and professional customer service.

Allen is located at the Stockman Insurance office at 1405 Grand Avenue. He can be reached at 406-896-4860. Stockman Insurance, headquartered in Miles City, has other offices located in Belgrade, Big Sky, Conrad, Glendive, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, Richey, Stanford, Worden and Whitefish.

Is Montana’s Open Enrollment Policy ‘Good Enough’?

7 November 2023
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By Trish Schreiber

School choice is essential for improving educational outcomes for students, and open enrollment is a significant part of that choice spectrum. While Montana has made strides in this area, it lags behind neighbors like Colorado, Idaho, and Utah, all of which boast more expansive open enrollment policies and flourishing charter school sectors. 

 Open Enrollment falls into two categories: intra-district (choice within the same district) and inter-district (choice across district lines). Predictably, inter-district enrollment faces more opposition from the education establishment, presumably due to concerns about funding allocations. While 43 states have some form of inter-district choice, the accessibility varies significantly. Shockingly, in 19 of those state policies, it is not even mandatory for districts to offer open enrollment, but rather it is voluntary. 

 Susan Pendegrass, in her paper “Breaking Down Public School District Lines,” highlights the problematic nature of using district lines for school selection. Despite Brown v. Board of Education’s decisive conclusion that separate is not equal, “Using district lines to determine where a child goes to schools is a 200-year old mistake that has resulted in racial and socioeconomic segregation in U.S. public schools.” This practice inadvertently supports socioeconomic segregation in schools. Moreover, Pendegrass points out that voluntary open enrollment policies exacerbate disparities and can lead to districts “cherry picking” students. 

 While Montana has historically offered mandatory inter-district open enrollment, this was only because of certain circumstances due to geographical barriers between homes and district schools. Until recently, this option necessitated families to disclose personal details to validate their transfer request and subjected the decision to the sending district’s discretion. However, Montana recently improved its inter-district open enrollment policy, eliminating out-of-pocket-tuition fees for access to out-of-district schools.  

 Although many of the larger districts in Montana offer intra-district open enrollment, it is a voluntary policy, something experts discourage. A quick search of larger school district websites shows that Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula all assign students within district boundaries to designated zoned schools. Bozeman SD7 even cites the criminal statute applied for false residence claims to attend one of their schools, echoing a nationwide issue. In keeping with Pendagrass’s assessment that district zoning leads to segregation, in a recent study titled “Where Do Americans Mingle?,” researchers demonstrated that there is significantly more socioeconomic integration in chain restaurants and gas stations than there is in American public schools. Given this, does Montana’s zoning of children into neighborhood schools truly offer “equality of educational opportunity” as guaranteed in its constitution?

It is also worth noting how Montana’s new charter laws differ in this “equality of educational opportunity” guarantee through their enrollment offerings. While the Community Choice Schools Act states “A Community Choice School must be open to any student residing in the state,” (Section 11(1)(a)) the Public Charter Schools Act includes that exact same sentence followed six sentences later with, “A public charter school shall give enrollment preference to students who are residents of the located school district” (Section 8 (2)(a)). Why this discrepancy in enrollment offerings if the intent is truly to give all students options?  

While I can’t answer this question, it’s evident Montana needs introspection. There’s an urgent need to break free from outdated education norms and embrace a more inclusive and adaptable education system. Other nations, admired for their educational outcomes like Poland, Finland, Canada and Estonia, have all embraced education pluralism. Why can’t Montana’s funding and school choice policies be equally pluralistic, focusing on funding students rather than funding structures?

Trish Schreiber is a senior education fellow at the Montana-based Frontier Institute.