The 1889 Montana Constitution established the State Board of Education as the governing body for all state educational institutions, including the state university. However, the Board was not functional until 1893, when the Legislative Assembly set its official powers and duties. The Board was composed of eleven members, including the Governor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Attorney General, and had control and supervision over the University of Montana, Montana State Normal College, Agricultural College of Montana, State Orphan's Home, Montana State School of Mines, School for the Deaf and Blind, and the State Reform School. The duties of the Board consisted of creating rules and regulations for the government of state educational institutions, granting diplomas to graduates of those institutions, issuing state and life diplomas or certification, accrediting private and public high schools, and administering funds from the State Board of Land Commissioners or other sources.

In 1959, the duties of the Board were expanded to include serving as the ex-officio Board of Regents of the University of Montana. In 1923, the Legislative Assembly created the State Board of Educational Examiners, which was to be composed of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, one member from the faculty of one of the component institutions of the University of Montana, one county superintendent of schools, one high school principal, and one district superintendent. The duties of this Board consisted of providing rules and regulations for the issuance of all teachers' certificates. These rules were subject to the approval of the State Board of Education. The Board disbanded in 1949 and their duties returned to the State Board of Education.

In 1972, the new Montana Constitution established the Montana Board of Public Education to exercise general supervision over the elementary and secondary schools of the state. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to oversee all educational programs not within the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents of Higher Education.

The Board of Public Education is required to adopt standards of accreditation for Montana schools and establish the accreditation status of each school; effect a system of teacher certification, including the accreditation of the teacher and administrator training programs; consider the suspension or revocation of teacher certificates and hear appeals from the denial of teacher certificates; administer and order the distribution of state equalization aid; adopt policies for the special education of handicapped and gifted and talented students; and act as the governing agency for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind.

Also in 1972, the new constitution established the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education to supervise, coordinate, manage, and control the Montana University System. This Board consists of seven members appointed by the governor, and confirmed by the Senate to seven year overlapping terms. The Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction are ex-officio members of the Board.

The Montana State Board of Education is composed of the Board of Public Education and the Board of Regents of Higher Education as specified by article X, section 9, subsection (1) of the 1972 Montana Constitution. The Board of Public Education and the Board of Regents meet together as the State Board of Education and are responsible for long-range planning, and for coordinating and evaluating policies and programs for the state’s educational systems.

As of 2025, the State Board of Education is still composed of the Board of Public Education and the Board of Regents of Higher Education. To learn more, visit the Board of Public Education website.