Local school districts eying levy increase, facility upgrades

In anticipation of Gov. Steve Bullock signing a new school facility funding bill into law, local school districts have positioned themselves to raise money for some long-awaited upgrades.

Senate Bill 307, which cruised through both houses of the legislature with bipartisan support, gives school districts the authority to raise property tax millage rates to fund major maintenance, repairs and technology improvements.

During the recent board meeting, Polson, along Ronan and Pablo, St. Ignatius and Charlo School Districts passed resolutions of intent to raise levies in preparation for the bill’s passage. At press time, SB 307 remained on the governor’s desk.

The resolutions are preliminary measures required by the Montana Office of Public Administration and will require another vote in August. Nevertheless, education officials look forward to taking advantage of funding opportunities afforded by the bill.

Kirk Miller, executive director at School Administrators of Montana, said the system provides individual districts with control over funds and includes a state contribution to buoy local contributions.

After the first year of levies, the state will provide a match of between 18-80 percent, depending on the financial demographics of the district.

In previous years the state offered a Quality Schools Grant to help pay for facility improvements, however during the last legislative session the program failed to receive funding.

Polson School District Superintendent Rex Weltz said Cherry Valley Elementary was in line to receive the grant for a new boiler system but the money never came.

Weltz said SB 307 offers a more predictable approach.

“It’s not a lottery system,” he said.

The bill authorizes schools to raise $15,000 per district plus $100 for each enrolled student.

According to Polson School District’s resolution of intent, homes valued at $200,000 would pay about $30 more in taxes per year under the proposed levies. The district in turn would raise an additional $340,400 in revenue.

The proposed increases came under fire at a recent Lake County Pachyderm Club meeting, with members calling into question the intent and transparency of the tax hikes.

Weltz said that in reality SB 307 clarifies the funding process. Districts are required to line out their levy increases and maintenance projects in a resolution that is published for the public to read.

“There’s probably more notice than ever before,” he said.

Miller added that with the state providing matching funds, local taxes will stretch farther under the new bill.

“If you can only change the light bulbs, you’re not likely to be able to take care of the core of the facilities,” he said.

As Montana struggles to maintain its education infrastructure, Weltz said citizens should consider the innovative proposal.

“We have to think about what’s good for the kids,” he said. “I think a lot of times we lose focus on that.”

Weltz and fellow administrators from school districts across the Mission Valley will provide more information on the proposed levy increases at the May 5 Lake County Pachyderm Club Meeting. The meeting will take place at the Polson Rural Fire Hall at noon.