Helena school officials have alerted the community that students from the city’s two high schools might need to share Capital High under a “split-shift” system if a proposed multimillion-dollar bond is not approved this fall. The Helena Public School District Board has sought $283 million in bonds to replace Helena High, Kessler Elementary, and renovate Capital High due to aging infrastructure. As talks continue, Assistant Superintendent Josh McKay outlined potential consequences should the bond fail in September.
McKay explained that without bond approval, the district must revisit funding options for $100 million in deferred maintenance, possibly requiring a costlier bond in the future due to inflation. This delay could exacerbate infrastructure issues, particularly at Helena High where the heating system is failing, necessitating an emergency “split-shift” schedule at Capital High. Under this plan, Helena High classes would run from 6 a.m. to noon, while Capital High would operate from noon to 6 p.m.
“We are walking into that scenario no matter what,” McKay noted. “… Walking into a split-shift scenario is basically a reality we have to plan for, regardless.” This plan faces opposition as it disrupts student activities, sports, and work commitments, potentially disengaging students from public school.
Helena Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Callie Aschim highlighted economic concerns, stating that the “split-shift” might affect local employment as businesses often employ high school students. Aschim also pointed out that school quality can influence relocation decisions for potential employees, including medical professionals. Young professionals in Helena worry about the impact on educational quality if the bond fails.
The bond measures, on the Sept. 9 ballot, are split between elementary and high school districts. The $240 million high school bond would increase annual taxes by approximately $220 for $300,000 properties, and $506 for $600,000 properties, over 30 years. The $43 million elementary bond would raise annual taxes by about $40 for $300,000 properties, and $91 for $600,000 properties, over 20 years, as per the tax impact analysis. Exact tax impacts can be calculated on the district’s bond website. Absentee ballots will be mailed on Aug. 22.
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