90-6-802. Purpose. (1) The purpose of this part is to establish a mechanism to distribute grants to public school districts for school facility and technology projects from the school facility and technology account established in 20-9-516. The account is to be used to assist schools in addressing major deferred maintenance, energy efficiency, critical infrastructure needs, emergency facility needs, and technological improvements and establishes an ongoing flow of state revenue into the account. Grants must be distributed for projects that:
(a) enhance the quality of life and protect the health, safety, and welfare of Montana's public school students;
(b) ensure the successful delivery of an educational system that meets the accreditation standards provided for in 20-7-111;
(c) extend the life of Montana's existing public school facilities;
(d) promote energy conservation and reduction;
(e) integrate technology into Montana's education framework to support student educational needs for the 21st century; and
(f) are fiscally responsible by considering both long-term and short-term needs of the public school district, the local community, and the state.
(2) The department may charge reasonable administrative costs for administering the grant program. Costs must be paid from the account established in 20-9-516.