Instructional coaches are sprinkled throughout East Helena and Helena public schools giving teachers extra help, but the districts run the risk of losing these positions at the end of September when a state grant expires.

There are 15 instructional coaches throughout the Helena district, one pre-k grant funded, three elementary grant funded, one middle school grant funded, two high school grant funded, one K-5 math coach elementary and secondary school emergency relief funded and seven full-time Title 1 and 2 funded.

The position is funded through a competitive state Office of Public Instruction grant, the Montana Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program known as the “literacy grant,” which was awarded in 2019 and runs out at the end of September.

The Helena district is reliant on the levies passing in May, Davidson said, otherwise the “reality” is the district will lose positions and programs.

If instructional coaches are removed from the districts, Davidson said the hole left will be huge because of the assistance coaches offer to teachers.

If the district loses people it loses the ability to have individualized teaching instruction, according to Davidson.

Helena IR: Instructional coaches may be removed from schools