The Montana Board of Public Education approved 19 new charter schools last week — including two Bozeman programs — made possible by a new law.

Bozeman School District’s Bridger Charter Academy and Bozeman Charter School were among the first round of approvals. Both programs have already been operating as alternative options for students.

The new designation entitles the programs to additional state funding if they meet minimum enrollment requirements. According to HB 549’s requirements for base aid, elementary programs need at least 70 students enrolled, middle schools need at least 20 and high schools need at least 40.

If Bridger and Bozeman Charter both meet the minimum headcounts, the charter programs could be entitled to a combined $531,678 in state funding and local property taxes, district staff previously told the Chronicle.

Bozeman Chronicle: Bozeman among first in Montana public charter schools after state approval