Bond Issue Would Pay for High School Security, Other Improvements

By KRISTIN GREGORY

Voters in Missoula’s School District No. 1 are scheduled to decide a $10 million bond issue designed to improve Missoula high schools.

If passed, the High School Building Reserve will be used to finance improvements for the district's four high schools: Big Sky, Hellgate, Sentinel and Seeley-Swan.

The additional property taxes to pay off the $10 million bond issue would be spread over the next five years.

If the bond issue passes, district taxpayers with homes valued at $200,000 would pay an average of $24.42 extra per year.

But that increase would be offset by lower general property taxes, which should average of $21 less per household, said Lesli Brassfield, a spokeswoman for the district. The upshot, she said, it that the bond issue would increase the average district taxpayer’s burden by about $3.

Almost $8 million of the $10 million bond would go directly into renovating and maintaining high school facilities, while $1.5 million would be used for equipment upgrades and for the Safer Schools Program. Almost $500,000 would be left for contingency.

If the bond issue is passes, security cameras, gates and card entry systems would be installed at all four high schools.

Meanwhile, Big Sky High School aims to remodel its science rooms, improve lighting within the parking lot, and upgrade fire alarms.

Sentinel High School wants improve parking facilities, redesign its heating and ventilation systems, and build locker rooms at Stegner Field.

Among other things, Hellgate High School hopes to upgrade its heating and ventilation systems and improve the lighting and acoustics in its auditorium.

Seeley-Swan High School would replace its roof and windows, build a running track, and install new flooring.

All mail-in ballots must be completed and mailed to the County Elections Office by Nov. 6.