Montana's Community Choice School Act faces judicial scrutiny over constitutionality

Todd Ziebarth, a representative of The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, provided an official statement concerning the legal proceedings involving Montana's Community Choice School Act.

Ziebarth noted, “Today, Judge Abbott heard a case challenging the constitutionality of Montana’s Community Choice School Act." He emphasized the potential benefits of Community Choice Schools, stating, "Community Choice Schools have the freedom and flexibility to meet students’ unique needs in exchange for rigorous accountability by the state and authorizer."

Ziebarth also acknowledged the efforts of the Montana Attorney General's Office as well as Dale Schowengerdt, the lead attorney for the charter school intervenors. He remarked, “We applaud the work of the Montana Attorney General’s Office and the lead attorney for the charter school intervenors, Dale Schowengerdt, who are arguing that this Act is constitutional and that Community Choice Schools should be allowed to open in Montana."

According to Ziebarth, a decision from Judge Abbott on the matter is expected by late spring or early summer.