Upcoming Due Dates
Deadline
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Topic
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Contact
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July 19th
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MAEFAIRS Release
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OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov
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At least 30 Days Prior to 1st Semester
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School Bus Inspections
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Local Montana Highway Patrol Department
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August 13th
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MAEFAIRS – Open Office Hours
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OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov
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August 15th
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TFS Due to County Superintendent
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Laci Novark
(406) 444-4401
Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins
(406) 444-1964
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September 15th
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Budget - The law states that districts have until August 20th to convene their Budget Meeting and must conclude within 5 days. They have an additional 3 days to submit to the county superintendent
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Laci Novark
(406) 444- 4401
Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins
(406) 444-1964
OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov
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September 15th
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TFS (Trustee’s Financial Summary) Deadline
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Laci Novark
(406) 444- 4401
Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins
(406) 444-1964
OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov
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September 15th
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ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Reporting
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Andrea Mohammadi
(406) 444-1960
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December 1st
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TEACH Act
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OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov
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MAEFAIRS – Open Office Hours
The Office of Public Instruction - School Finance recently offered a training session on TFS and Budget entry into MAEFAIRS. A question-and-answer session was offered at the end; however, we understand there may be more questions once actual data entry starts, especially for new clerks. For this reason, we are going to offer MAEFAIRS Office Hours where you can visit and ask your questions. We will be opening a Zoom meeting on Thursday, August 1st from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. and again on Tuesday, August 13th from 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m.
This can be a very stressful time for school clerks and business officials, and we want to be here to support you. You may come and go from the meeting as you please. Come and ask your questions or just listen to what others are asking. Do not wait as now is the time to start data entry and ask your questions; these office hours are in addition to your options to call and email as needed. The goal is to provide help and guidance however we can.
July 19th, 2024 MAEFAIRS Release – GO LIVE!
MAEFAIRS is now available to report information for the FY2024 Trustees Financial Summary (TFS) and the FY2025 Budget. Please click on this link to access MAEFAIRS
NOTE: Your username is your first initial and last name, with no space between the two. However, in some cases the user may have a number on the end of the user name (for example: JDoe or JDoe1). If you have lost or forgotten your password, please click on the “Reset Password” option. Please note the instructions pertaining to the “OPI\” on the reset portal and follow the password requirements by entering your user name as "OPI\JDoe".
FY2024 Trustees’ Financial Statement (TFS) Reporting
To access the TFS Instructions go to:
School Finance> Accounting> Guidance & Manuals> Other Materials> TFS Instructions
A checklist is provided on Pages 8-9 of the instructions.
Once you have logged in successfully, follow the steps below to access TFS:
- Click on the Data Entry tab
- Hover your curser down to the Trustee Financial Summary (TFS). Another menu box will slide open. Choose Step 1: Prefilled Data Verification (Districts Only).
- Highlight your district or click on the Select All Districts button, then click on the Print to PDF button.
Once you have verified your information on the Prefilled Data Report, you may move on to the other TFS steps. Please print the Prefilled Data Report for documentation. Special education cooperatives may begin TFS data entry with Step 3 and do not complete the Budget data entry.
A completed, printed, and signed copy of the FY2024 TFS is due to the county superintendent by August 15, 2024.
FY2025 Budget Reporting
To access the Budget Instructions go to:
School Finance> Budgets> Budget Spreadsheet & Guidance> Budget Instructions
A checklist is provided on Page 5 of the instructions.
Once you have successfully completed the TFS, follow the steps below to access the Budget:
- Click on the Data Entry tab
- Hover your curser down to the Budget. Another menu box will slide open. Choose Step 1: Taxable Valuation. Look for your Taxable Values on or after the first Monday in August.
- Highlight your district or click on the Select All Districts button.
Once you complete each step, you may move on to the other Budget steps.
FY2025 Budget reports are due to the county superintendent within 3 days after the budget adoption meeting per 20-9-131, MCA.
School districts must submit both reports electronically to the Office of Public Instruction no later than September 15, 2024.
Other helpful links include:
Budget Timeline
Historical TFS - Reference for past years TFS reports
TRS Employer GASB Reports - Teachers Retirement Net Pension Liability
PERS Employer GASB Reports - (watch for update) Public Employees Retirement Net Pension Liability
ESSER Consolidated Guidance – Accounting Guidance for ESSER TFS reporting
ESSER Expense and Revenue Comparison - ESSER Expense and Revenue Comparison
For questions please contact:
Questions can be emailed to OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov
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Autumn Belmont
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(406) 444-9852
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Bonds/TFS/Budget
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Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins
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(406) 444-1964
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TFS/Budget
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Laci Novark
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(406) 444-4401
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TFS/Budget/Bonds
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Andrea Mohammadi
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(406) 444-1960
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Tuition/Impact Aid/TFS/Budget
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Donell Rosenthal
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(406) 444-9316
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Transportation
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Amanda Zigan
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(406) 444-3096
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Computer Support/MAEFAIRS access
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Cori Opie
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(406) 444-3533
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TFS/Budget (Training)
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Enly Kovis
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(406) 444-1579
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TFS/Budget (Training)
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Paul Taylor
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(406) 444-1257
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Universal School Finance Support
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Barb Quinn
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(406) 444-3249
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Senior School Finance Manager
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State School Payments
The June State School Funding Payments for FY 2024 are posted at the following link: State School Payments
Due to the closing of the 2024 fiscal year there are no State School Payments distributed in July.
The FY 2025 August payment is scheduled for August 28, 2024. August payment will include Direct State Aid, Quality Educator Component, At Risk Component, Indian Education for All, Student Achievement Gap, Data for Achievement, Special Education, Technology and Transportation Prepayment.
For any additional questions, please contact Cori Opie , Budget Analyst at (406) 444-3533.
State School Entitlements
The State School Funding Payments Entitlement for FY 2025 are posted at the following link: State School Payments>Entitlements
If you have questions regarding payments, please contact: Cori Opie, Budget Analyst at (406) 444-3533.
LAW BOOKS – AVAILABLE NOW
Districts and schools can order copies here and the electronic version is available for free here.
For any additional questions, please contact opifrontdesk@mt.gov.
Active Expenditure String tool - new on the website
A spreadsheet of active expenditure strings was added to the School Finance website. All open MAEFAIRS expenditure strings that have been used since 2017 are compiled. Expenditure strings can be filtered by open expenditure strings or enter your string to see if the string is valid or not. Please contact School Finance at OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov with any questions or concerns.
Compensation Expenditure Reporting – Due December
Compensation Expenditure Reporting collects data used to determine each district’s payment information pertaining to salaries paid to district employees each fiscal year. Compensation Expenditure Reporting is a multi-step process of entering and certifying data in Infinite Campus and then submitting the data in MAEFAIRS. The process is to assist schools with their responsibility to be transparent with the use of public funds in accordance with 20-7-104, MCA.
End of Year Personnel Collection: Infinite Campus Reporting – Due June 30th
The End of Year Personnel (Compensation Expenditure) Collection replaces the Compensation Expenditure Terms of Employment (TOE) in AIM. All district staff employed from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, must be included in this collection of data and be certified through entry into Infinite Campus. Only employees certified through Infinite Campus will be available for selection in the MAEFAIRS Compensation Expenditure Report submission. Districts are required to enter all staff employed in the 2023-2024 year into Infinite Campus by June 30 to finalize the 2024 fiscal year end process. If you do not have access to Infinite Campus or are having troubles logging in, please contact opiaimhelp@mt.gov.
Fall Terms of Employment (TOE): Infinite Campus Certification – Due October 31st
Infinite Campus Certification replaces the Compensation Expenditure TOE formerly in TEAMS.
[Type Membership: Personnel Reporting Data] - Enter personnel information for all staff members/contractors employed during the 2024-2025 school year. Entering employee’s information into Infinite Campus ensures they are properly certified. Employee Certification is necessary for the completion of the Compensation Expenditure reporting in MAEFAIRS. All employed individuals must be certified through Infinite Campus.
Compensation Expenditure: MAEFAIRS Reporting Submission – December
Compensation Expenditure reports must be submitted by the December deadline per ARM 10.10.504 for the previous fiscal year’s data. Data can be entered starting when MAEFAIRS opens and may be advantageous to complete at the same time as the Infinite Campus reporting in October.
If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Mohammadi at (406) 444-1960 or Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins at (406) 444-1964.
School Data Error Correction Request Form – TFS Changes, ESSA Changes or Other Revisions Submitted To OPI
The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has a form to be completed when changes are made to financial related data. The School Data Error Correction Request form can be found on the School Finance website and at the above link.
Please complete the following actions:
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Fill out the form with the necessary information and the appropriate signatures.
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Submit the Request form and the changes to OPI – Requests for changes can be mailed or scanned and emailed. All completed requests must be received by the OPI no later than the December deadline (ARM 10.504). Changes can be made for:
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Material revisions that do not impact fund balance of budget funds.
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Revisions in balance sheet accounts, provided no change occurs in the fund balance of budget funds.
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ESSA reporting is due with the submission of the TFS. Only minor changes to ESSA Per Pupil expenditures will be allowed.
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Please refer to the TFS instructions for additional information.
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The OPI will notify the school when the corrections are done. The school is responsible for verifying that changes have been made accurately and must send confirmation to the OPI.
For questions, please contact Barbara Quinn, School Finance Senior Manager, (406) 444-3249
ESSA PPE Reporting – Due September 15th with TFS Submission
The Federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires school-based expenditure reporting. This guidance is designed to help districts comply with statewide uniformity to fulfill the federal requirements. District compliance is essential for Federal compliance. The federal law requires all districts report expenditures by SC, regardless of enrollment, number of school buildings, or location.
The OPI has limited authority to make changes in the district’s financial records after the Trustees’ Financial Summary (TFS) report has been approved by the Board of Trustees and County Superintendent of Schools. All expenditures, including mandatory ESSA entries are the responsibility of the district. The allowable circumstances in which the OPI can make changes to the TFS are prescribed in ARM 10.10.504.
All Local Education Agencies (LEAs) report per-pupil expenditure data at the school or LEA level, including allocations of district wide expenditures to the school level. Expenditures are disaggregated by the source of (revenues) funds (state, local and federal). School level expenditure reporting is submitted to the OPI in MAEFAIRS, which publishes the information in the Montana Report Card as mandated by ESSA reporting requirements.
LEAs with only one designated SC are the only LEA’s that do not have to allocate expenditures. If the LEA is designated as the Prime Agency for expenditures in the School Food Service Fund (12), Miscellaneous Programs Fund (15) and the Interlocal Agreement Fund (82) those expenditures will be reported separately in the TFS. The TFS data entry will allocate the expenditure to the appropriate entity or LEA.
Questions: For information on ESSA Per Pupil Expenditure Reporting, please contact: Andrea Mohammadi, Business Analyst (406) 444-1960 or Laci Novark, Budget Analyst, (406) 444-4401.
Guidance for Out-of-District Placement (HB 203) for FY2025
The 2023 Legislature passed HB 203 which revised tuition and the attendance agreements. School Finance has published guidance for Out of District Attendance which is available on the Tuition webpage. Please see “Tuition Handbook”, this document has been updated.
For more information, please contact the OPI by emailing to opischoolfinance@mt.gov or contact:
Tuition Forms – Complete and Entered to MAEFAIRS
Student Attendance Agreements should be completed upon enrollment in a school (20-5-322, MCA). Students who are in foster or group homes outside of their resident district should be entered into MAEFAIRS as soon as they are approved by the attending district. This allows resident districts to review their obligations or verify their status as resident district – payments due in the ensuing year. Please make sure to enter these agreements in a timely manner and run the reports provided for resident districts in MAEFAIRS. Please see the forms located under Tuition and Attendance.
If you have questions, please contact Andrea Mohammadi, Business Analyst, (406) 444-1960.
Day Treatment (FP15) Reimbursement
Districts with students who attended private, non-sectarian day-treatment programs in the 23-24 school year under provisions of an individualized education program (IEP) should not have been included in the district’s ANB calculation. These students should be reported on an FP15 form. The OPI will reimburse the district from the portion of the ANB the resident district would have been eligible for if the student had been enrolled in the district on the count date.
If you have questions, please contact Andrea Mohammadi, Business Analyst, (406) 444-1960.
In-State Facility Tuition Claims
Under 20-9-435 MCA, resident districts will be responsible for a portion of the education costs for students in in-state treatment facilities contracted with the OPI. The currently contracted facilities are Aware, Intermountain, New Day, Shodair, and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. The state facility must invoice the resident district of any obligation for tuition by August 15th. Resident districts may run a report in MAEFAIRS at any time to see claims that have been submitted. These reports should not be viewed as actual bills from the facility, but rather an opportunity to review submitted claims. The report may be found in MAEFAIRS under Views>Tuition>State Facilities District of Residence.
If you have questions, please contact: Enly Kovis at (406) 444-1579, or Barbara Quinn at (406) 444-3249.
FY2025 County Reporting Forms
The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has posted the FY2025 County reporting forms at the following link: County (mt.gov)
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County Treasurer Statement (FP6a)
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FY 2025 Countywide School Funds (FP6b)
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Joint District Basic Data (FP8a)
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Joint District Tax Levy Summary (FP8b)
If you have questions, please contact Autumn Belmont at (406) 444-9852.
Countywide School Funds Spreadsheet – FP6b due Aug 15th
The FP6b Countywide School Funds is due to the Office of Public Instruction by August 15, 2024, for fiscal year 2024. Please submit your FP6b by emailing it to autumn.belmont@mt.gov or OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov.
For more information, please contact Autumn Belmont, Budget Analyst at (406) 444-9852, or Cori Opie, Budget Analyst at (406) 444-9852.
FY 2025 Special Education Cooperative Reports
The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has posted the FY 2025 Special Education Allowable Cost Funding Cooperative Preliminary reports at the following link: State School Payments (mt.gov)
For any additional questions, please contact Autumn Belmont at (406) 444-9852.
TEACH Act – Due December 1
Teach Act Certification: Infinite Campus Certification
Districts must complete an application for the TEACH Act funding to demonstrate:
- 2nd and 3rd class districts: Base pay equal to 10 times the QEC amount for the application year.
- 1st class districts: Base pay requirements above and base pay not less than 70% of average teacher pay.
Districts must identify educators in the first three years of the educator’s teaching career.
Important Reminder for Schools!
Principals and Superintendents, please follow up with your teachers to ensure their licensing is up to date. All licensing and verifications must be complete by the December 1st deadline. This will impact your FY20xx+1 payment of QEC.
If you have questions, please contact OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov.
Transportation Budgets FY2025
School districts can use the Transportation Budgeting Spreadsheet to prepare the FY2025 On-Schedule reimbursement portion of the Transportation Budget.
The School Finance encourages school districts to take advantage of this tool created as a courtesy in order to accurately determine the proper budget and avoid a shortage of funds.
If you have questions or require assistance with this budgeting spreadsheet, please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
Semester 1 School Bus Inspections
Montana Highway Patrol shall perform the first semiannual inspection of school buses at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the school term and re-inspect the buses, if necessary, before the beginning of the school term.
School districts are responsible for contacting the Montana Highway Patrol for bus inspections. Buses that are placed in operation after the school semester has begun must be inspected and approved by the Montana Highway Patrol before the bus is operated on the established route.
Inspection Forms for FY25 can be accessed through the Pupil Transportation System and must be entered electronically upon completion of the inspections. The district is required to retain a copy of the inspection for the term and send a copy to the County Superintendent.
For questions or assistance, please contact Donell Rosenthal or call (406) 461-9316
Passenger Vehicles-Vans
A district may use an 8-15 passenger vehicle/van only for school-sponsored functions or activities.
A district may not use a passenger vehicle for purposes of transporting students to or from school on a regular bus routes. 20-10-129, MCA.
Passenger vehicles owned by the district is not eligible to be included in the calculations for the Bus Depreciation Reserve fund under 20-10-147, MCA. In addition, these vehicle types are not an allowable purchase from the Transportation Fund.
A “School Bus” pursuant to 20-10-101(5), MCA, are the only allowable form of transportation that may be used when transporting students to and from school. Other vehicles that do not meet the definition of a “School Bus” will not be reimbursed by the state or county.
If you have questions, please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
School Bus Routes for FY2025-County Approval
By the fourth Monday in July a county transportation committee (CTC) must act to approve or not approve all bus routes established by districts.
When the county transportation committee reviews a request for a new bus route or a change to an existing route, the committee shall receive the following information for consideration:
(a) a map of the existing and proposed bus route;
(b) a description of turnarounds;
(c) conditions affecting safety;
(d) the total mileage and change in mileage of the affected bus route;
(e) the approximate total cost;
(f) reasons for the proposed bus route change;
(g) the number of children to be served;
(h) a copy of the official minutes of the meeting at which the school trustees approved the new bus route or route change; and
(i) any other information that the county transportation committee considers relevant.
If you have questions, please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
Driver Qualifications
All drivers (includes a Superintendent) transporting students to and from school is qualified to drive only if the driver meets the following criteria:
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Holds a valid CDL with “Passenger” and “School Bus” endorsements. MT Driver’s license is the only exception for Type E buses.
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Holds a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate
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Certified in First Aid and CPR
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Holds a current and valid TR35 Bus Driver Certificate
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Drug and Alcohol testing
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15 hours of mandatory training
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Annual driving record checks
The qualifications of all bus drivers must be met and are reviewed at the time the state verification of transportation claims is made, as the qualifications of the bus driver are one of the criteria for eligibility for reimbursement. 20-10-103, MCA, 10.7.111 and 10.64.201, ARM. There are no exceptions to these rules.
NOTE: The penalty for violating these laws and the Board of Public Education policies will result in the Office of Public Instruction to withhold transportation reimbursement funding. 20-10-104, MCA.
If you have questions, please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
Annual Driving Records
Annual driving records must be performed on all drivers to ensure compliance with School Bus Driver Qualifications in 20-10-103, MCA and 10.64.201, ARM.
Driving Records information can be requested through the Montana Department of Justice
For questions or assistance, please contact Donell Rosenthal or call (406) 461-9316
Bus Driver Certificate TR35
All school bus drivers (includes a Superintendent) must hold a valid Montana School Bus Driver Certificate (TR35) in order for a district to receive state reimbursement.
Qualifications for bus drivers are prescribed by 20-10-103, MCA, and by the Board of Public Education in ARM 10.64.201. The bus driver certificate forms are provided and must be maintained electronically in the Pupil Transportation System.
The Chair of the board of trustees must sign the certificate which is issued to a driver who is authorized and qualified to drive a school bus pursuant to all applicable rules, regulations, and laws. The district must retain a current copy of each bus driver’s certificate, provide a copy to the bus service contract, if applicable, and file a copy with the county superintendent. The bus driver is required to always carry a current and valid hard copy of the certificate while driving a school bus.
If you have questions regarding Bus Driver Qualifications, please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
TR1 Bus Route Rollover
Districts can rollover TR1 Bus Routes for FY2025 by going under the Administration tab in the Pupil Transportation System.
Please review the TR1 Bus Route Reporting Instructions or if you have questions please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
Passenger Manifests (TR2) Forms
The TR2 Bus Rider Form is a passenger manifest of all students being transported. This form shall be maintained and kept on board the bus with driver access when necessary and left with proper authorities at the school or institution.
In the event of an emergency, the passenger manifest and/or seating chart, shall be made available upon request by the investigating officer/emergency personnel.
For questions or assistance, please contact Donell Rosenthal or call (406) 461-9316
TR4 Individual Contracts Rollover
Districts can rollover TR4 Individual Contracts for FY2025 by going under the Administration tab in the Pupil Transportation System.
Please review the TR4 Individual Contracts Reporting Instructions or if you have questions please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
CDL Requirements
2022 Montana Bus Standards (Page71) states: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an School Bus “S” and Passenger “P” endorsement is required when a person who drives a school bus, or who transports pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students for school-related activity trips, field trips, and operating on an approved route, in a commercial motor vehicle.
The “S” endorsement shall be required for any school bus, including 16 passengers and less, and 16 passengers and more.
If you have questions, please contact Donell Rosenthal at (406) 461-9316.
In District Special Education Permissive Tuition Levy
The spreadsheet for FY2025 has been updated and posted to the OPI Webpage. The calculator for FY2025 is located on the website: Tuition and Attendance (mt.gov).
For information on Tuition, please contact Andrea Mohammadi at (406) 444-1960 desk or email opischoolfinance@mt.gov.
FY 2024 Elections – It’s a wrap!
Great Job everyone! We made it! Now let’s get ready for next year. Our new election calendar will be updated and posted before we start school for 2024/2025. If you are running a special election, please contact Andrea Mohammadi and we can assist with your calendar.
If you need more information or immediate assistance, please contact Andrea Mohammadi at (406) 444-1960 desk or email opischoolfinance@mt.gov.
Audit Letter for FY2024 Audits
The annual letter to auditors can be found on the OPI website by clicking this Audit link. The letter provides general information for FY2024 regarding issues affecting Montana school district audits and special items the OPI would like auditors to review for compliance with statute and administrative rule.
For more information, please contact us by email at opischoolfinance@mt.gov.
School Year 2024-2025 Changes
Changes to school names, grade ranges, non-operating, or attach/abandon (closing a district) with an effective date of July 1, 2025: School districts with changes to operating status, grade level configurations, school/district name, etc., should contact the OPI as soon as possible. Please send official notice of these change requests, on district letterhead, signed by the Authorized Representative, to the School Finance email at OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov.
For more information, please contact Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins at (406) 444-1964
Updating School Contact Information with OPI
District Clerks are responsible for keeping their district’s contact information up to date. According to § 20-3-307, MCA, Trustee Contact information is required to be updated within 14 days following the qualification and oathtaking of a newly elected trustee or for the filling of vacancy on the board (the county superintendent is responsible for providing information to the district clerk for the purpose of updating the Trustee Repository). Contact information also affects the Budget and TFS reports as well as how the AR for OPI and E-Grants updates. The instructions on how to update your schools’ information can be found at the following link: Instructions.
PERSONNEL CHANGES: All school districts please go to the OPI website - Directory of Montana Schools - to verify your schools’ information.
Changes must be made by the Clerk in OPI Contacts for:
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Trustees (required by HB 811).
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Board chair.
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Clerk/business manager.
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Superintendent.
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Principal.
For more information, please contact us by email at CentralUpdates@mt.gov.
OPI Application Access Guides for NEW Clerks and Superintendents
The OPI has information for new:
To assist in getting set up with their new roles, please see the documents located on the School Finance webpage. For more information, please contact Amanda Zigan at (406) 444-3096 or contact us by email at opischoolfinance@mt.gov.
Emergency School Closures
School Closures are a local decision based on the needs of the community. Information on Emergency School Closures can be found on the School Finance Webpage. The document is titled “School District Closures – Unforeseen Emergencies.”
It is important to be familiar with the laws, but a couple of important reminders are as follows:
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Trustees should notify the County Superintendent of Schools and the OPI as soon as a school district closure has been declared.
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Trustees may close school for one school day each year for unforeseen emergencies that is not subject to a state funding reduction 20-9-806(2), MCA.
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If a school has an emergency closure for longer than the one-day exception, the Trustees may later adopt a resolution that a reasonable effort has been made to reschedule the pupil-instruction time lost. Not taking this action could result in a reduction to the schools District’s BASE aid.
Adherence to the statutes is necessary to prevent reduction of state entitlement funding for the district.
Please sent notice to the OPI at OPISchoolFinance@mt.gov or call Amanda Zigan at (406) 444-3096 or contact Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins at (406) 444-1964.
Sending confidential information
When sending confidential information to the OPI, there are two best methods to use:
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File Transfer Service (FTS). The link is on the school finance home page, however, there are two requirements for the use of FTS:
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one of the parties must be a state employee, and
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the other is the files must be sent to a person not a group email.
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Fax to us at (406) 444-3924 and let us know that you have sent something.
Regular email is not a safe or a recommended communication method for sending confidential or personally identifiable information. For questions, please contact Amanda Zigan at (406) 444-3096 or contact us by email at opischoolfinance@mt.gov.
School Finance Updates to the OPI Website
Added Tuition Guidance FAQ for Out-of-District Placement to the School Finance Tuition and Attendance page, on the Guidance tab.
Renamed FY24CoTransDistribution_V0_2ndSemester to County Transportation Distribution Spreadsheet FY2024 Semester 2 on the School Finance Pupil Transportation page, under the Budgeting & Finance Information tab.
Updated FY 2024 Audit Letter to the School Finance Auditing page, on the Information to Auditors tab.
Updated Appendix A – Enrollment (Word) – Required to the School Finance Auditing page, on the Information to Auditors tab.
Added Appendix A – Enrollment (Excel) – Required to the School Finance Auditing page, on the Information to Auditors tab.
Updated MAEFAIRS Active Expenditures String on the School Finance Accounting page, on the Guidance & Manuals tab, under Most Accessed.
Added FY25 Quality Educator Component Cooperatives and FY25 Quality Educator Component to the School Finance State School Payments page, on the Entitlements tab, under the Quality Educator link.
Added SPED Permissive Tuition Levy Calculator FY 2025 to the School Finance Tuition and Attendance page, on the Calculation Spreadsheets tab.
Updated ESSER Expense and Revenues Comparison on the School Finance Accounting page, on the Guidance & Manuals tab, under Most Accessed.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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