“Helena This Week” is reported and written by JoVonne Wagner. Send your Helena news and tips to [email protected].
Groups say school improvements will benefit community in many ways
As the upcoming election nears this fall, Helena organizations are increasing efforts to advocate for the passage of a $283 million school bond on the ballot.
Throughout the summer, the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting several events aimed at attracting community members interested in learning more about the bonds requested by the Helena Public School District.
The district is seeking over $280 million in bonds to help fund the replacement of Helena High School and Kessler Elementary and pay for additions and renovations to Capital High School.
However, several levies have failed to pass in the past two school years, so organizations such as the city’s chamber of commerce have intensified efforts to educate residents about why the bonds are needed.
“Passing school bonds is one of the most direct and impactful investments a community can make in its future,” chamber president Callie Aschim told Montana Free Press. “These bonds fund critical infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades and modern learning environments that ensure students have the tools they need to succeed, but the benefits extend far beyond the classroom.”
In partnership with the school district, the chamber has launched two weekly events for the public, “Brews & Bonds” and “Brown Bags & Bonds.”
Brews & Bonds are held in local breweries every Tuesday with district officials from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Brown Bags & Bonds discussions are held at either Kessler, Helena High or Capital High with tours that showcase the buildings’ disrepair and insufficiencies.
Aschim said the goal for hosting the bond events is to provide residents with factual information on how the bonds may impact education, local businesses and the economy.
The chamber maintains that schools help create the foundation of a strong economy by attracting and retaining families, supporting workforce development and increasing property values, Aschim said.
“This year, our board committed to being part of the noticeable increase in outreach efforts, and we are happy to support this momentum,” Aschim said. “… We believe in being proactive partners in fostering informed and connected communities.”
The local political action committee, YES for Helena Schools, has also been advocating on behalf of the school district.
Although school is out for the summer, the committee has focused its outreach in places around the Helena area where it can best reach people. That includes setting up a booth during the weekly farmers’ market, speaking at service clubs and attending the Family Fun Fest. The committee also plans to advocate through phone calls and door-knocking.
Committee member Lisa Cordingley spoke with MTFP and emphasised that now is the best time to pass the bonds.
“When I think about the other professionals in this community and what they expect in their work environments and the magic that our teachers do in substandard working conditions, it’s really heart-wrenching. I think we owe them more, and the thing that we know for certain is that these buildings aren’t gonna last forever,” Cordingley said.
The average age of the three school buildings is more than 70. According to district officials, Capital High needs to address major facility issues, including electrical system failures, limited accessibility spaces and a lack of safety features. Helena High’s boilers are failing, and the school has a sinking foundation and an insect infestation.
According to the district’s master facility plan, Kessler Elementary, built in 1936, has substandard fire suppression and safety and security systems.
The district requested a $43 million bond to replace Kessler, which is estimated to be paid off in 20 years. District officials say a $240 million high school bond would be paid off in 30 years.
If all bonds are approved, residents with homes valued at $300,000 would pay about $260 more annually in taxes, and residents with homes valued at $600,000 would pay an additional $597.