Missoula County Public Schools are urging support for three proposed levies to optimize a tight budget as voters receive ballots. Trustee Lisa Davey emphasized the importance of preserving current resources, stating they have already made significant cuts to the budget. The proposed levies, set for the May 6 ballot, include an elementary school operational levy of $384,947, a high school operational levy of $164,315, and a high school safety levy of $1 million.
Homeowners would see minimal increases. The elementary levy would cost $8.67 annually for a $300,000 home, while the high school levies add $2 for general funds and $12.24 for safety. Superintendent Micah Hill explains that while property taxes rise, school budgets don’t necessarily increase due to state funding formulas, which require districts to generate 20% through measures like operational levies.
Hill stated the levy funds support staff salaries, arts, physical education, and crucial student services. For high schools, they also fund Advanced Placement, career, technical education programs, and extracurricular activities. The safety levy aims to cover security infrastructure, mental health support, and safety training, which are currently funded by the general fund. Hill highlighted the importance of this levy, particularly after a recent incident at Sentinel High School.
Trustee Jeffrey Avergis stressed that the district wants to enhance safety investments without cutting other programs. The levies would cost an average homeowner $2.75 monthly and are vital for maintaining quality education and a safe learning environment for over 9,000 students. Without them, personnel cuts might be necessary, as salaries and benefits constitute 90% of the general fund.
Missoula voters will also choose three school board trustees in this election. Incumbents Wilena Old Person, Meg Whicher, and Keegan Witt, along with newcomer Tim Baigent, are running for three open seats. The Missoula County Elections Office has mailed approximately 75,000 ballots for the mail-only election. Voters are urged to return ballots by mail by April 29 or hand-deliver them to designated drop-off locations, open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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