Aging technology and facilities Ongoing budget shortfalls Declining birthrates impacting enrollment Changing neighborhood demographics requiring new boundaries Rising employee health insurance costs Federal funding uncertainty

Seek bonds to build a new Helena High, new Kessler Elementary, and renovate Capital High Redraw school boundaries to balance enrollment Decide the future of Hawthorne Elementary Sell or lease district properties Purchase land for transportation and future needs

Provide basic technology for teaching and learning Preserve Helena’s strong education model Ensure safe, modern high school facilities Avoid emergency consolidation into a single high school Offer equitable opportunities across schools Maintain competitive compensation for staff

Bond decisions by June 2025, with potential construction starting so new schools can open Fall 2028 Hawthorne Elementary decision by June 10, 2025 Boundary adjustments implemented in the 2026-27 school year

Helena High’s 1955 steam heating system is near failure. Replacement or repairs would cost millions and be disruptive. Other Montana districts have upgraded high schools in the past decade; Helena hasn’t significantly invested in its high schools in decades.

If Helena High’s boiler fails, all high school students could be forced into Capital High on split shifts. Helena High is deteriorating, with ongoing water damage and outdated systems.

Bonds fund buildings; levies fund learning. Bond funds pay for construction and renovations. Levies support staffing, programs, supplies, and curriculum.

Since 2021, the district has made $7 million in cuts and savings through staff reductions, building consolidations, and leasing properties. The district has also worked to generate revenue by leasing facilities like the Ray Bjork Learning Center.