Education

Montana and Wyoming high school students were in Billings this week pitching projects they hope will make it into space.

Gianforte's education priorities for next year include raising teacher pay and reducing licensing requirements for new educators.

“It’s just fun to see them laugh and relax and have fun and realize how much they actually learned," said AP biology teacher Kim Popham, who recently guided her students on a tour of Yellowstone National Park.

The Nk̓͏ʷusm Salish Language School in Arlee is celebrating its 20th year of teaching kids about their culture. Nk̓͏ʷusm in Salish translates to family.

The state health department is seeking pandemic-EBT funding two months after declining continued participation.

According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Montana reached a record $4.22. Diesel fuel jumped to an average of $5.46, exceeding its previous record by more than a quarter.

It’s now close enough to Election Day that voters should drop off their ballots at an election office instead of mailing them if they haven’t done so already. Voters also have until May 3 at 8 p.m. to request a replacement ballot if they lost or damaged theirs.

Providing a mental health service for high-needs students has become more complicated for Montana’s school districts. Some are opting for other services that advocates and mental health providers say are inadequate.

Arntzen told MTPR that her potential rule would seek exemptions for school policies to allow parents to make "responsible choices." She says the rule is needed because the "one-size-fits-all" model doesn’t work for all kids in school.

The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees in a 6 to 3 vote Tuesday issued a mask mandate for all students, staff and guests inside of school buildings this fall.