BELGRADE ELEMENTARY BOND 2025
Belgrade is one of the fastest-growing communities in Montana, and our schools are feeling the pressure. Fifth graders are currently in the Middle School, which is not the most appropriate setting for their social, emotional, and academic needs. With nearly 1,000 students, Belgrade Middle School is now one of the largest in the state. Most middle schools are smaller, containing three grades (6th-8th grades) and about 700 students.
In Spring 2024, voters were asked to approve a bond to renovate the Middle School and build a new Elementary School. That proposal failed, but the need remains urgent. We still have $20 million in bond authority from 2019 that has not yet been used. Taxpayers have not been paying on that bond, and payments will not begin until the additional funds needed are secured. Rising construction costs make it critical to act now before those dollars lose more value.
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By completing this project, the District will add 250-student capacity Elementary School that is designed to accomodate 500-students in a future phased addition. The bond is broken into two bond measures:
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Measure 1: Complete the Elementary School for $6.63M
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Measure 2: Full Gymnasium Option - The baseline plan for the new Elementary School includes a multipurpose room. This option would allow voters to add a full-size gym—providing space for P.E. classes, school programs, sports, and community events. A full gym will better serve a future 500-student school by reducing scheduling conflicts and ensuring students and the community have the space they need.
Bottom Line:
This bond delivers on a promise and creates the right learning environments for students.
On the November ballot, there will be two separate votes related to the new elementary school:
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Measure 1 - $6.63M
In 2019, voters approved $20M for a new school. Taxpayers haven't begun paying on it, and payments will start once the project moves forward. Because costs have risen, an additional $6.63M is needed. This measure must pass for the school to be built.
Measure 2 - Full Gym (Optional):
The baseline plan includes a multipurpose room. Measure 2 lets voters add a full-size gym for PE, concerts, sports, and community use.
Measure 2 can only pass if Measure 1 is approved.
The election is November 4. This is our moment to act—before costs rise further, and while we can still choose to build a stronger future for Belgrade.
INFORMATIVE RESOURCES
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
We offer informative resources to ensure that the public is well-informed about the school bond proposals. Our public engagement programs aim to gather valuable feedback and insights from the community to support informed decision-making.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We actively involve the community in the decision-making process, seeking diverse perspectives and input to shape the school bond proposals. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to strengthen the bond between the school district and the community.
TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVES
Transparency is at the core of our initiatives. We strive to provide clear and accessible information to the public, promoting openness and understanding regarding the school bond proposals and their potential impact.
ENGAGEMENT UPDATES
We are committed to sharing regular updates on the progress of the school bond proposals and the community engagement activities. By keeping the public informed, we aim to maintain a transparent and inclusive dialogue.