Summary

Montana HB 210 (Open States or Montana Legislature) appropriates $300,000 from the general fund to the Office of Public Instruction for the Montana Digital Academy, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. This funding was necessary to cover expenses associated with greater than projected enrollments.

Legislative Analysis

HB 210 appropriates $300,000 from the general fund to the Office of Public Instruction for the Montana Digital Academy, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. Any remaining funds that are unencumbered as of June 30, 2013 must revert to the general fund.

Due to unexpectedly large increases in enrollment, this additional funding was vital to the continued success of the Montana Digital Academy, which offers high-quality online courses to thousands of high school students across the state. 4,000-4,500 enrollments were projected for 2010-11 and there were 6,797 actual enrollments, exceeding the projection by about 60%. Expected growth is about 17.6% each year between now and 2015.

This legislation supports digital learning by providing the financial support necessary to operate the Montana Digital Academy. The popularity of the program reflects its success in delivering flexible, useful, and high-quality courses to students, especially benefitting those in rural areas by offering them educational opportunities to which they otherwise would not have access.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Steve Bullock on 4/12/2013