Montana is the most recent state to enact a law allowing charter schools. However, shortly after the bill passed in the 2023 legislative session, charter school opponents filed suit to stop these innovative public schools from opening. Todd Ziebarth (Senior Vice President, State Advocacy and Support at The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools) released the following statement on a Montana court’s decision regarding an injunction request to HB 562, The Community Choice Schools Act:
“Yesterday, Lewis and Clark County District Judge Chris Abbott granted a narrow injunction to HB 562, allowing the statewide commission for public charter schools to form, opening the door for potential charter school leaders to request authorization for new charter schools in the future.
“However, our battle is not yet over. While we are pleased Judge Abbott denied the request for an injunction on the implementation of HB 562, we must continue fighting against the lawsuit challenging HB 562.
“The National Alliance stands with families and educators in Montana. We will continue to advocate for students’ access to high-quality, public education options.”
