Montana School Boards Association

Legal services and labor relations.see schedule o.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) has a long-standing record of providing exceptional legal services to member School Boards throughout Montana. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, as we provide both dues-based and fee-based legal support designed to meet the unique needs of each mtsba member. We operate in strict compliance with the ethical standards governing the practice of law, ensuring that our services are not only reliable but also uphold the highest principles of integrity. Our steadfast support of Montana's educational leaders has cultivated a robust, ethical, and effective learning environment for every child in the state.

Self funded insurance programs for members.see sch o.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) administers the Montana School districts' workers' compensation risk and retention program (wcrrp), the largest self-funded program of its kind in the state. Serving over 25,000 public School employees, wcrrp stands as a testament to our commitment to enhance workplace safety and provide exceptional workers' compensation coverage.our program offers competitively priced coverage alongside an extensive suite of value added services tailored to each member district. These services include but are not limited to comprehensive training in all facets of School district risk management, equipping our members with the tools they need to effectively mitigate risks. By focusing on proactive risk management, we not only drive down the costs of coverage-resulting in significant savings for our member districts-but also foster a safer work environment, leading to fewer claims against the districts. Through wcrrp, we exemplify our dedication to the well-being of our School employees and the financial health of our Montana's public schools.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) administers a self-funded property and casualty program that provides comprehensive coverage to our members at highly competitive rates. Our program goes beyond the typical market options, delivering exceptional member services that are tailored to the unique needs of each of our School districts.by offering lower costs for coverage, we enable member districts to achieve substantial savings, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively to support their educational missions. Additionally, our strong emphasis on risk management not only assists districts in minimizing potential liabilities but also leads to a significant reduction in the number of claims. Through our property and casualty program, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of Montana's public schools, ensuring a secure environment for students, staff, and the broader community.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) administers the Montana schools unemployment insurance program (mtsuip), a self-funded insurance pool designed to provide outstanding coverage for our member districts. Our competitive rates are significantly lower than those offered by the state of Montana, ensuring that our members receive exceptional value.the financial benefits of lower coverage costs directly translate into substantial savings for member districts, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively toward enriching educational programs. Additionally, our program places a strong emphasis on effective risk management practices through multiple trainings and other available resources, which leads to a notable reduction in claims against the districts. Through mtsuip, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting Montana's public schools by promoting fiscal responsibility and enhancing the overall stability of our educational workforce

Professional development.see schedule o.since its inception in 1926, the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) has stood at the forefront of professional development for public School leaders. We foster excellence in education through a diverse array of training opportunities. Our offerings include both dues-based and fee-based programs delivered in various formats-virtual, in-person, and hybrid-ensuring accessibility to high quality professional development at the convenience of our members across the state of montana.with weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual training sessions, we have met the evolving needs of our education leaders. Moreover, we tailor on-site training at local districts, empowering our members with customized content that addresses their specific needs. Our strategic planning facilitation enables leaders to engage effectively with students, families, and communities, ensuring that public School programs and services are aligned with the collective goal of developing the full potential of every individual. We take great pride in our role as a catalyst for positive change in our education system and the communities we serve.

Administrative leaders search services.our administrative leaders search services provide comprehensive support for School districts in their pursuit of exceptional leadership. We expertly handle the entire recruitment process, from advertising open positions to guiding candidates through the application process. We assist our members with rigorous screening and interviewing, thorough employment background checks, and contract negotiation and finalization of the employment contract to ensure a seamless hiring experience.we align our search efforts with the strategic goals of each district, ensuring that the selected leaders are not only qualified but also a perfect fit for the organizational vision. Additionally, we offer legal assistance and targeted training in the hiring process, empowering districts to make informed decisions that contribute to their long-term success. Through our dedicated approach, we effectively facilitate each member's selection of visionary leaders who are then poised to drive educational excellence and foster a vibrant School community.

Member outreach.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) keeps its members informed and engaged through a range of publications released in quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily formats. We provide critical information on issues affecting public education, equipping our members with invaluable resources that empower them to enhance performance and align their services with the collective goal of developing the full potential of each individual within Montana's public School system.in addition to our publications, mtsba ensures that both members and the public have access to up-to-date information through our comprehensive online presence. We maintain and regularly publish updates on several websites, including mtsba.org, msgia.org, mtsuip.org, mcel.org, and coalitionofmtk12advocates.org. Through these platforms, we reinforce our commitment to transparency and collaboration, fostering a strong educational community that thrives on shared knowledge and resources.

Policy services.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) offers a comprehensive suite of policy services designed to support our members in navigating the complexities of educational governance. Our offerings include both dues-based and fee-based policy services, featuring model policies for various sized School systems and cooperatives and model student and staff handbooks that serve as foundational resources for School districts.we provide expert consultation on a wide range of policy issues, including thorough analysis and customization to suit the unique needs of each member district. Our fee-based customized policy program includes a proactive maintenance component, ensuring that our members' policies remain current and fully compliant with evolving legal standards. Through these services, we empower School leaders to make informed decisions that foster effective governance and enhance the overall quality of education in Montana's public schools.

Montana conference of education leadership (mcel).the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba), in partnership with the School administrators of Montana (sam), Montana rural education Association (mrea), and the Montana Association of School business officials (masbo) hosts the Montana conference of education leadership (mcel) each october. This flagship event represents the largest gathering of public School leaders in Montana and has been a cornerstone of educational collaboration for over four decades.at mcel, we provide invaluable educational and collaborative opportunities designed to inspire and equip School leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of public education. Attendees engage in dynamic sessions, workshops, and networking events that foster innovation, best practices, and proactive strategies for enhancing educational outcomes. Through mcel, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening leadership across Montana's public schools, ensuring that every leader is empowered to drive excellence in education.

Advocacy.the Montana School Boards Association (mtsba) is a steadfast advocate for community ownership and local control of public schools, embodying the principles outlined in article x, section 8 of the Montana constitution. We believe that empowering local communities is essential to fostering an education system that meets the distinct needs of each student.mtsba champions a public education framework that develops the full potential of each child, ensuring that each public School provides an enriching and supportive environment. Through proactive advocacy efforts, we work collaboratively with stakeholders, policymakers, and community members to promote policies that enhance educational opportunities and uphold the values of local governance in Montana's public schools. Our commitment to advocacy reflects our dedication to building a brighter future for each student and community across the state.

Reimbursed program expenses.mtsba is reimbursed for various expenses which are program related and consist of reimbursed travel expenses incurred in serving its members and other miscellaneous reimbursed fees. This income is related to all programs described in this return, but has not been identified by specific program.