MT SB278

Creates a new position called "advanced opportunity facilitator" — a district employee who coordinates between schools, students/families, postsecondary institutions, employers, and community organizations to facilitate advanced learning opportunities for grades 6-12

Allows school districts to use a portion of their advanced opportunity aid (up to 25% of remaining funds after required student expenditures) to pay for employing an advanced opportunity facilitator

Makes advanced opportunity facilitators eligible for the state's quality educator payment, adding them to the list of qualified personnel alongside certified teachers, licensed professionals, and American Indian language specialists

Advanced opportunity aid amounts remain: 4.5% of prior year quality educator payment for elementary districts, 30% for high school districts, and 18% for K-12 districts

Effective dates: Sections 1 and 2 (definitions and funding provisions) take effect July 1, 2025; remaining sections effective upon passage and approval