Montana Law ARTICLE X EDUCATION AND PUBLIC LANDS
Montana Constitution – Article X: Education and Public Lands
This article focuses on the education system and the management of public lands in Montana, particularly those held in trust to support public education.
🔹 Overview of Article X – Education and Public Lands:
This article outlines Montana’s commitment to:
Providing free quality public education.
Preserving Indian education and culture.
Protecting and properly managing lands granted to the state to support education.
Key Sections and Provisions:
Section 1 – Educational Goals and Duties
The state recognizes the goal of developing the full educational potential of each person.
It guarantees free public education through secondary school.
The legislature is responsible for providing a system of quality public education.
Section 2 – Public School Fund
Revenue from certain lands and other sources (e.g., fines, leases, and sales) forms a permanent school fund.
The interest from this fund is used to support public schools.
Section 3 – Public Land Trust, Disposition
Lands granted by the federal government for school support are held in perpetual trust.
The state must manage these lands to maximize long-term revenue for education while protecting the land.
Sales or uses of these lands must benefit the designated trust beneficiaries (like public schools).
Section 4 – Board of Land Commissioners
A Board of Land Commissioners, including top statewide officials, manages the trust lands.
Their duty is to ensure fiduciary responsibility and prudent management.
Section 5 – Public School System
Mandates a free, public elementary and secondary school system.
Guarantees equal access to quality education across the state.
Section 6 – Higher Education
Establishes a system of higher education and a Board of Regents to govern it.
The Board of Regents has full authority over the Montana University System.
Section 7 – Indian Education
The state recognizes the cultural heritage of American Indians and is committed to preserving it.
Requires educational agencies to work to ensure Indian education for all.
Section 8 – School District Trustees
School districts are governed by locally elected trustees.
Trustees manage district affairs, finances, and administration under state laws.
Section 9 – Nondiscrimination in Education
No person may be denied equal educational opportunity on the basis of race, color, sex, culture, social origin, or political or religious ideas.
✅ Significance of Article X:
Guarantees free and equitable education.
Promotes stewardship of public lands for educational funding.
Recognizes and protects Native American heritage in public education.
Provides strong constitutional protection for education funding and governance.
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