Establishing public charter schools and an increase in the fuel tax took up much of the discussion during a town hall meeting featuring State Sen. Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux, and Rep. Scott Staffanson, R-Sidney, in Sidney on Saturday night. The meeting took place during the midway point of the Montana legislative session.
Sidney Superintendent of Schools Daniel Farr expressed his disappointment that the House passed House Bill 376 by a 55-44 margin. Staffanson voted in favor of the bill that will establish public charter schools. Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, is the bill’s sponsor.
“I’m not understanding the votes I’m seeing,” Farr said. He noted the bill will create more taxes especially in smaller school districts.