BELGRADE ELEMENTARY BOND 2025

Fifth graders benefit from the nurturing environment of elementary school, where schedules and classrooms are better aligned with their social, emotional, and academic needs. The 5th grade curriculum requires longer instructional blocks, especially in reading and writing, which don’t fit well into the short, departmentalized periods of middle school. Belgrade Middle School is already one of the largest in Montana at nearly 1,000 students; moving 5th grade back reduces enrollment by about 250 students, creating a healthier, more manageable school environment.

Legislative changes and careful structuring keep the estimated taxpayer impact about the same as in 2019. Final figures will be posted once available.

The gym is a separate question on the ballot. If approved, it will support school programs and offer a community venue without affecting the core project.

To complete construction of a new elementary school so 5th graders can move out of the Middle School and return to an elementary setting. This right-sizes Belgrade Middle School (nearly 1,000 students) and provides age-appropriate learning environments.

The bond includes $6.63 million to finish the elementary school. Voters will also decide separately whether to add a $5 million gymnasium.

Since 2019, construction costs for materials and labor have increased significantly. In addition, the new school site on Frank Road requires utility extensions (water, sewer, electrical, gas). Acting now prevents even higher costs in the future.

Thanks to 2025 legislative changes, the taxpayer impact is about the same as the 2019 bond. For example, a $300,000 home would pay about $37.59/year ($3.13/month) for the school only, or $65.29/year ($5.44/month) if both the school and gym measures pass.

Yes. Voters authorized building this school in 2019, but construction cost increases left a funding gap. This bond provides the additional money needed to keep that promise.

The earlier proposal included major Middle School renovations. After voters said “not now,” the District scaled back to focus only on the most essential need: the new elementary school.

The site is north of Frank Road, west of Jackrabbit Lane. It has been master planned for future expansion, including a middle school, high school, and athletics facilities.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Ballots can be mailed in, dropped off, or cast in person at your polling place.