Montana School Boards Association

“The montana school boards association (mtsba) proudly represents the elected school boards of public school districts across montana. Our membership encompasses nearly all but a few of the smallest school districts in the state each year, reflecting our commitment to inclusive representation and support for educational leaders at every level. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives from across the state, mtsba fosters a vibrant community dedicated to the advancement of public education. Our members are integral to shaping the future of education in montana, and we are honored to serve as their advocate and resource, empowering them to drive positive change within their districts.”

“The montana school boards association (mtsba) is governed by a dynamic board of directors, consisting of 18 to 20 dedicated members who are committed to leading and supporting public education in our state. Eleven of these directors are elected from various geographic regions, ensuring representation from across montana. The remaining seven directors are appointed by the seven largest member districts, based on student enrollment, which currently includes billings, bozeman, butte, great falls, helena, kalispell, and missoula. In addition, the board includes two directors elected by the indian school board caucus (isbc), in accordance with our association's bylaws. The chair and vice-chair of the isbc are designated as directors of mtsba, emphasizing our commitment to inclusion and representation of indigenous perspectives. Notably, an individual elected or appointed to a seat on the board may concurrently serve as an isbc director, ensuring comprehensive leadership that reflects the diverse needs and voices of montana's educational community. Through this governance structure, mtsba strives to effectively advocate for and enhance the educational landscape throughout the state.”

“The montana school boards association (mtsba) operates with a strong commitment to democratic governance, ensuring that a variety of significant decisions made by the board of directors receive the approval of our valued members. Key examples of such decisions include legislative resolutions, dues increases, and amendments to our bylaws. This collaborative approach not only reinforces our dedication to transparency and accountability but also empowers our members to have a direct voice in shaping the policies and direction of the association. By actively involving the membership in these critical decisions, mtsba fosters a sense of ownership and engagement, ensuring that the collective interests of public school districts in montana are at the forefront of our initiatives.”

“Process of review for 990: the montana school boards association (mtsba) follows a rigorous and collaborative process for preparing and reviewing form 990 following the completion of the independent audit. The chief financial officer (cfo) and cpa initially draft the 990, ensuring that it reflects our organization's financial and operational integrity. Once the preliminary draft is prepared, it undergoes a thorough review by the executive director and general counsel in partnership with the cfo. This detailed examination focuses on verifying the accuracy of numerical data, narrative content, and responses to all required questions. Upon completion of this comprehensive review, the final draft of form 990 is presented to the mtsba board of directors. This step is vital, as it provides the board with an opportunity to offer input and insights regarding the completed document prior to its submission. Through this meticulous process, mtsba ensures that form 990 is not only accurate but also transparently represents our commitment to responsible governance and accountability.”

“Description of conflict of interest procedure: the montana school boards association (mtsba) prioritizes transparency and ethical governance through its robust conflict of interest procedures. Annually, the mtsba board of directors reviews and signs off on a comprehensive conflict of interest policy, which includes an acknowledgment of receipt and a requirement for all members to disclose any potential conflicts. In our commitment to responsible decision-making, we diligently identify and address any potential conflicts of interest when considering financial transactions. If a potential conflict is detected, we ensure that the issue is brought before the mtsba board for discussion and resolution. In addition to our internal procedures, we adhere strictly to section 35-2-418 (director conflict of interest) of the montana code annotated, ensuring compliance with state regulations. When a financial transaction involves a related party, the board or staff member associated with that transaction is recused from all decision-making processes regarding the initiation, continuation, or cessation of services. This approach safeguards our integrity and reinforces our commitment to keeping the interests of our members and the public at the forefront of our actions.”

“Determination of compensation for the executive director: the montana school boards association (mtsba) is committed to ensuring that the compensation of its executive director is both reasonable and competitive. Each year, the mtsba board conducts a thorough evaluation of the executive director's salary, benchmarking it against the compensation packages of comparable state school board associations. This comprehensive review considers not only salary figures but also incorporates an analysis of the cost of living adjustments and the longevity of the executive director's tenure. Additionally, the board evaluates the compensation in relation to chief executive officers within similar peer organizations, ensuring that our compensation practices reflect industry standards and promote equitable remuneration. Through this diligent process, mtsba underscores its commitment to fair governance and effective leadership within the association. Determination of compensation for mtsba key employees & staff: the montana school boards association (mtsba) is dedicated to maintaining fair and competitive compensation for its staff. Each year, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of salaries, comparing them to those of other staff members in similar roles within state school board associations of comparable size. In addition to this benchmarking, mtsba evaluates the reasonableness of salaries and benefits in relation to the broader landscape of both public and private nonprofit sectors in montana. This thorough approach ensures that our compensation practices are not only equitable but also reflective of the value and expertise our staff bring to the organization. By prioritizing competitive salaries and benefits, mtsba reinforces its commitment to attracting and retaining talented professionals dedicated to advancing public education in montana.”

“Mtsba's form 990 is published annually on guidestar.com.”

“How mtsba makes governing docs available to the public: the montana school boards association (mtsba) is committed to transparency and accountability in its operations. We fully comply with all public disclosure requirements for exempt organizations, as outlined by the irs in its applicable regulations. In addition to meeting these regulatory standards, mtsba makes its form 990 publicly accessible by publishing it annually on guidestar.com. This platform provides a valuable resource for individuals and organizations seeking to understand our financial practices and governance structure. By ensuring that our governing documents and financial information are readily available, mtsba reinforces its dedication to open communication and responsible stewardship within the community we serve.”

“The process for audit oversight has not changed from the prior year.”