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05/01/2026
School district plans to cut at least one third-grade class next year
Missoula parents express concerns about the proposed reduction of third-grade classrooms in one elementary school next year, citing the importance of small class sizes. According to school district officials, declining enrollment has necessitated these changes, impacting the budget significantly.
At a recent Missoula County Public Schools board meeting, parents urged reconsideration of eliminating a third-grade class at Lewis and Clark Elementary, fearing class sizes may exceed the state’s 28-student cap, which would require paraeducator support.
Kelci Kuntz, a parent, highlighted that her child’s cohort missed preschool during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting their social and emotional growth. “I cannot emphasize enough the strain of large class sizes on students and teachers,” she stated.
Nicole Sarrazin-Strong, both a parent and a Big Sky High School teacher, stressed that students not reading proficiently by third grade are at risk of dropping out. “This is not where we need to be cutting,” she argued.
Superintendent Micah Hill acknowledged the parents’ points, stating that the plan is enrollment-based and not a result of budget cuts. He emphasized the challenge of balancing class sizes given the 560-student drop in K-5 enrollment since 2020. The school district faces further cuts without additional operational levies, which fund 20% of the district’s budget.
Ballots due Tuesday
The deadline for school and special district election ballots is 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. Voters can track their ballots at myvoterpagemt.com. As this is a mail-only election, voters should now use drop-off locations instead of mailing them. A list of ballot drop boxes opening from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day is available online.
By the Numbers
Missoula County elected officials’ base pay is set to increase from $50.83 to $52.86 per hour. This aims to keep sheriff’s deputies’ pay competitive with Missoula police. The increase will raise expenses for deputies by $243,477 and $348,540 for detention officers next year.
Missoula County commissioners’ approval is pending; if granted, the changes will take effect on July 1. Potential salaries include:
- County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier – $121,846
- County Attorney Matt Jennings – $159,813
- Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen – $160,326
Public Notice
The city of Missoula seeks feedback on stormwater project options for Lincoln Hills and Lincolnwood neighborhoods. Due to inadequate drainage leading to frequent flooding, the meeting will discuss alternatives. The session is on Thursday at Rattlesnake Elementary School gym/cafeteria from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information is available online.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
Missoula County commissioners approved a new water system purchase for the Wye. Last year’s partnership with Grass Valley Industrial led to a water system serving the area. Funded mostly through bonds and tax increment financing, the $5.26 million project excludes certain school and fire levies.
The Missoula City Council will move pretrial services in-house, creating three full-time jobs. Savings from in-house operations will cover costs without a budget increase. City Council updates its agreement with Riverfront Triangle Partners for land development, supporting a hotel, conference center, and public amenities.
Bear buffer zone expansion from April 30 requires bear-resistant trash storage in certain Missoula areas. New garbage carts are being distributed despite supply delays. Further details about the zones and requirements are available online.
Photo Op
Grizzly Athletics’ Kent Haslam details a new marketing partnership between the University of Montana, Destination Missoula, and the Missoula Tourism Business Improvement District. Efforts aim to increase visitor numbers through event promotions and digital advertising, aiming for significant economic boosts during home events. The district will contribute $100,000 to UM athletics.
Might be Fun
The 32nd annual Garden City Brewfest takes place at Caras Park this Saturday. Enjoy over 60 drinks and activities from noon to 7 p.m. For $20, get a 7-ounce glass with three drink tokens. Additional tokens are $2 each. Check out the event details online.
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