THE BONDS PASSED. WHAT WILL EACH PROJECT CONSIST OF?
THE 2025 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOND PROJECT
A new school building for the Kessler School Community.
Kessler Elementary School has been a cornerstone of Helena’s west side since 1936. Originally named Kenwood School and later renamed in honor of local brickmaker Nickolas Kessler, the school carries a rich legacy of community connection and tradition. Generations of families have passed through its halls, and its story is deeply woven into Helena’s educational history. Today, however, the building is showing its age. With decades of patchwork additions and outdated infrastructure, Kessler is no longer equipped to meet the needs of modern education. Classrooms are cramped, heating and cooling systems are unreliable, and fire safety systems fall short of current standards. These conditions not only hinder student learning and comfort but also limit the programs the school can offer. In one recent example, poor air quality inside the building during wildfire season forced staff to hold physical education classes outside—because the air outdoors was safer than inside. The proposed $43 million elementary school bond includes funding to replace Kessler with a new, modern facility designed to serve students and the west Helena community for generations to come. The new building would provide spacious, energy-efficient classrooms; a fully compliant kitchen and fire suppression system; improved gym and multipurpose spaces; and the infrastructure to support current and future educational needs. Construction would begin following a successful bond vote, with the goal of opening the new school by fall 2028.
What are the current issues at Kessler Elementary?
Kessler Project Updates
On November 21, the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees confirmed Mosaic/Cushing Terrell as the firms designing the Kessler Elementary renovation project.
Mosaic/Cushing Terrell’s mindfulness to the look and feel a building should have to its neighborhood, in combination with their leadership and knowledge of the nuances a rebuild takes made them the recommended choice.
WEEK 21: 04/12 - 04/18
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Mosaic Architecture + Cushing Terrell Updates
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4/14: Structural Check-in with GCCM & Owner’s Rep
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4/14: Civil Check-in with GCCM & Owner’s Rep
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4/14: Board of Trustees Meeting
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4/15: Brews & Blueprints Event
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4/16: District Weekly Project Progress Meeting with GCCM & Owner’s Rep
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Golden Eagle/Swank Construction Updates:
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Weekly OAC (owner/architect/contractor) meeting
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Continuous Constructibility/Budget Support
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Kessler Elementary Construction Live Stream
COMING SOON
THE 2025 HIGH
SCHOOL BOND PROJECTS
The future starts in our hands.
Helena’s two high schools—Helena High and Capital High—are aging, outdated, and long overdue for investment. Built in 1955 and 1973 respectively, these facilities were designed for a different era of education and are now facing critical infrastructure failures that directly impact student learning, safety, and well-being. From unreliable heating systems and electrical outages to detached facilities and accessibility challenges, our high schools no longer meet the basic standards expected in modern education. The last significant investment in Helena’s high school facilities was made over 30 years ago. Since then, building systems have deteriorated while enrollment needs, technology, and safety requirements have evolved. Both schools have been forced to make do with temporary fixes and short-term solutions—but those are no longer enough. The 2025 High School Bond aims to address these issues head-on. The proposed funding will: Modernize critical infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems Improve building safety, accessibility, and security Renovate learning environments—particularly labs, special education, and career and technical education (CTE) spaces Expand capacity to meet long-term enrollment needs and ensure equity across both campuses This bond is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about preserving educational opportunity, protecting student health and safety, and preparing Helena’s graduates for success in college, careers, and life. By reinvesting in our high schools now, we avoid more costly emergency repairs down the road—and we honor our responsibility to the next generation.
CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL
Honoring Tradition, Building Tomorrow.
Founded in 1965 as a Catholic high school and acquired by Helena Public Schools in 1973, Capital High School has served the Helena community for over 50 years . Boasting strong academic, athletic, and arts programs—most recently achieving state championships in sports like basketball and golf —the school remains a pillar of student life in west Helena. Yet the physical building is overdue for renewal. Originally constructed with modest infrastructure, Capital High now faces more than $14 million in deferred maintenance, spanning heating and ventilation upgrades, roofing, electrical systems, and security improvements . Frequent power outages have even affected classroom instruction and athletic events, highlighting the urgent need for modernization. The 2025 High School Bond proposes comprehensive renovations to bring Capital High into the 21st century. While Helena High is slated for complete rebuilding, Capital High would receive extensive structural and systems upgrades—modern HVAC, improved electrical safety, secure entry points, and updated learning spaces. These improvements will ensure both schools offer equitable, high-quality learning environments. This bond represents more than a facelift—it is about resilience, safety, and opportunity. With no significant high school investment since the mid-1990s, now is the time to revitalize Capital High and ensure all of Helena’s students learn and grow in safe, functional, and inspiring facilities.
What are the current issues at Capital High School?
Capital Project Updates
On November 7, the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees confirmed Slate Architecture + RTA Architects as the firms designing the Capital High renovation project.
Slate + RTA impressed the panel with their deep school design experience (especially in regard to occupied sites) their outstanding professional reputation, and their vision for a new and improved campus at CHS.
WEEK 23: 04/12 - 04/18
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Slate Architecture + RTA Updates:
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School Department Meetings
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Leadership Meeting
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School Board Meeting
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Phasing Coordination
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Langlas & Associates Construction Updates:
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School Department Meetings
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Leadership Meeting
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School Board Meeting
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Phasing Coordination
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1.13.26 Slate Update to HPS Board of Trustees
Capital High Construction
Live Stream
COMING SOON
HELENA HIGH SCHOOL
A Legacy Building a New Future.
Helena High School, second-oldest in Montana and established in 1876, has been educating generations of students in its current building since 1955—originally constructed on the site of Chinese Gardens and expanded in the early 1980s. While the school remains proud of its traditions—from a strong academic program (AP, STEM, athletics) to its rich history—its infrastructure is well behind modern standards. The school hosts a number of critical deficiencies: failing boilers, sinking foundations, outdated electrical systems, and even pest infestations. No major investment has been made in Helena High since the mid-1990s, when voters approved a $13.5 million bond for mid-century additions and renovations—projects that wrapped up in 1996 and were fully paid off by 2017 . In contrast, the 2025 High School Bond proposes to completely rebuild Helena High while renovating the existing gym, alongside upgrades to Capital High, addressing decades of deferred maintenance and modernization needs. The new construction and renovation efforts will modernize HVAC, electrical, plumbing, science labs, accessibility, and security—ensuring it meets 21st-century educational expectations. This bond isn’t just about fixing aging walls—it’s about ensuring equitable, safe, and future-ready learning environments for Helena students. With support and timely investment, this becomes the moment Helena honors its legacy by building a school that will serve and inspire generations to come.
Helena High School Renderings
Helena High Campus Updates
Helena High School
Helena High’s main entrance is located on the west facade, visible from Montana Avenue, and opens into a two-story commons that serves as the heart of the school. Academic spaces are organized around a central courtyard to provide daylight, visibility, and intuitive circulation.
Career and Technical Education programs are located along the north edge of the site to support functionality while minimizing impact on surrounding streets.
The new Performing Arts Center, designed to seat just under 600, addresses a longstanding need for both school and community use. Its location and lobby sequence contribute to a cohesive entry experience while strengthening the campus identity.
Library spaces, student services, specialized programs, and general education classrooms are strategically layered to promote accessibility, equity, and collaboration. The design supports flexibility and long-term adaptability while aligning with projected enrollment needs.
WEEK 25: 04/12 - 04/18
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A&E + SMA Design Updates:
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HHS/PAL Design Development 100% Complete
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District Kitchen Construction Documents Week 1
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Board of Trustees Meeting
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Brews & Blueprints
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Dick Anderson Construction Updates:
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Weekly Meetings
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Helena High School Campus: New HHS, New PAL, New District Stadium & District
Kitchen
Schematic Design for Helena High School (HHS) and the Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) began in early December 2025 following completion of Educational Specifications for both schools. Since that time, the design team, A&E + SMA Design in partnership with NAC Architecture, has collaborated closely with school leadership, staff, students, and the Board of Trustees to shape a campus solution grounded in community values, educational priorities, and long-term flexibility.
Throughout this phase, the design team has met regularly with the Building Committees
for each school, worked with the Core Administrative Group for the campus, engaged students at Helena High, PAL, and Helena Middle School, and presented updates during Board meetings and working sessions. Feedback at each milestone has directly informed refinements to program organization, campus relationships, and architectural direction. The resulting schematic design reflects broad stakeholder alignment and a shared vision for the future of the Helena High/PAL campus.
Campus Vision
The design reinforces Helena High as a unified campus centered on community, connection, and belonging. Multiple building configurations were explored to determine how best to attach new construction to the existing gymnasium while integrating with current facilities. The preferred concept extends new construction to the south, east, and north of the gym and organizes the campus around a central commons and internal courtyard.
Helena High is designed for an enrollment of 1,350 students. The schematic plan carefully builds around the existing arts and culinary wing and the CTE shop facilities, allowing students to remain in those spaces during construction. This strategy supports continuity of instruction while new facilities are delivered.
The existing school will remain occupied throughout construction. The phasing and sequencing plan have been developed to prioritize safety, minimize disruption, and maintain daily operations. The overall schedule supports occupancy of the new Helena High and PAL facilities in Fall 2028.
The design also honors the architectural legacy of the existing gymnasium, celebrating its exposed structural glulam framing as a defining element of the renewed campus.
Delivery & Consultant Team
The project is being delivered through a GCCM (General Contractor/Construction Manager) process with Dick Anderson Construction, who joined the team in December 2025 and is collaborating on cost modeling and constructibility throughout design. The owner’s representative is Hulteng CCM.
The design team supporting the project includes:
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A&E + SMA Design – Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Graphic Design
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NAC Architecture – Educational Planning Architecture, and Architectural Lighting
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DCI Engineers – Structural Engineering
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Stahly Engineering – Civil Engineering
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Associated Consulting Engineers – Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering
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Big Sky Acoustics – Acoustical Design
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Bakergroup – Food Service Design
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PLA – Performing Arts Planning and Design
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ABD Engineering & Design - AV Design
Schematic Design Conclusion
This milestone represents a thoughtful and collaborative step toward delivering a modernized Helena High campus that honors its history, strengthens PAL’s mission, and serves students and the Helena community for generations tocome.
Helena High Construction
Live Stream
COMING SOON
PROJECT FOR ALTERNATIVE LEARNING
Expanding Opportunity, Preserving Identity
Since its founding in 1989, Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) has provided a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students who thrive outside the traditional high school model. Built on values of respect, belonging, and individualized learning, PAL serves students who face academic, social, or personal challenges—and empowers them to succeed through strong relationships, flexible instruction, and real-world learning opportunities. While PAL’s mission has remained strong, its current facility limits its potential. The school operates in a building that lacks appropriate classroom space, modern infrastructure, and access to broader district resources. As demand for PAL continues to grow, the need for improved space is clear: more students are seeking an alternative path to graduation, and the district is planning to expand enrollment. As part of the 2025 High School Bond, PAL would be relocated to a new space on the Helena High School campus. This move is designed to preserve PAL’s unique identity, culture, and program structure while giving students and staff the facilities they need—and deserve. The relocation will allow for: Larger, more flexible classrooms and instructional spaces Access to shared resources (science labs, library, career counseling, mental health services) Improved security and ADA accessibility Room to grow enrollment and expand programming Importantly, PAL will remain its own school with its own staff, leadership, and values—but with the benefit of being more integrated into the broader Helena learning community. This move strengthens PAL’s ability to meet students where they are while offering them more of what they need to succeed. The 2025 bond ensures PAL isn’t just protected, but empowered to grow—so that every student in Helena has a place where they feel seen, supported, and ready to graduate.
PAL Renderings
PAL Project Updates
WEEK 25: 04/12 - 04/18
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A&E + SMA Design Updates:
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HHS/PAL Design Development 100% Complete
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District Kitchen Construction Documents Week 1
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Board of Trustees Meeting
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Brews & Blueprints
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Dick Anderson Construction Updates:
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Weekly Meetings
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Project for Alternative Learning
PAL has been strategically positioned on the south side of the campus with its primary access from Billings Avenue. This location allows PAL to maintain its distinct identity and autonomy while benefiting from shared campus resources.
Designed for an enrollment of 150 students, the new PAL facility supports flexible
learning environments, project-based instruction, and expanded student support
services. Its adjacency to the existing auxiliary gym allows for efficient shared use
while preserving PAL’s independence during the school day.
THE DISTRICT KITCHEN
Where Every School Meal Begins.
Located behind Capital High School, the Central Kitchen is the heart of Helena Public Schools’ nutrition program. It prepares meals for every student across the district—from preschool to high school—serving all elementary, middle, and high schools through a distribution system of warming kitchens. While its impact is district-wide, the facility it operates in is far too small and outdated for the scale of its mission. The Central Kitchen is currently operating in a space just one-third the size it should be to meet today’s student needs and food safety standards. Staff are forced to rely on Konex containers in the parking lot for storage, and the loading dock setup interferes with traffic flow and safety on the Capital High campus. The current design creates serious operational challenges—both for food service and for student circulation. The limitations of the facility don’t just create inefficiencies—they affect food quality and student access to nutritious meals. Due to lack of freezer space, the district has been forced to turn away free USDA commodities, missing valuable opportunities to stretch meal budgets. And because there isn’t room to prepare and freeze meals in advance, all food must be made the morning it’s served, placing enormous pressure on staff and limiting menu flexibility. These constraints reduce the ability to offer more fresh, made-from-scratch meals and expand nutrition programs. As part of the 2025 High School Bond, the plan includes constructing a new, appropriately sized Central Kitchen to better serve students, improve food quality, and enhance efficiency. A modern facility would allow the district to: Accept and store larger quantities of free federal food commodities Prepare and freeze meals in advance to maintain freshness and reduce food waste Offer more scratch-made meals and varied, nutritious menus Improve loading/unloading safety and eliminate traffic conflicts at Capital High The Central Kitchen may be behind the scenes, but it plays a vital role in every school day. With updated space and modern equipment, Helena can provide healthier meals, reduce waste, and ensure every student—regardless of school or income—gets the nourishment they need to succeed.
What are the current issues at the District Kitchen?
District Kitchen Updates
Stay Tuned:
Although on the Helena High campus, the District Kitchen will have its own set of plans. We will keep you updated when we get to that point down the line.
ATHLETIC IMPROVEMENTS
Serving High Schools and the Community.
Currently, Helena’s two high schools—Capital and Helena High—as well as Carroll College track athletes compete at Vigilante Stadium, located at Helena Middle School. While the stadium has received surface-level updates—like a resurfaced 10‑lane track, new lighting, and some ADA walkways—it continues to present serious limitations that can’t be addressed without major reconfiguration. The stadium struggles to meet full accessibility standards, both in its spectator areas and athlete facilities. Event restrooms are inadequate, often requiring large numbers of rented porta‑potties, and parking is not only insufficient—it poses real safety issues during high-attendance events due to congestion and poor traffic flow. Most critically, Vigilante is not eligible to host state-level track meets due to improper field layouts. Throwing areas like javelin and discus overlap or are undersized, disqualifying the site from hosting major competitions. The team locker rooms—housed in the middle school’s basement—are outdated, cramped, and lack privacy. Gang showers and exposed toilet fixtures reflect facilities that have not kept pace with even the most basic standards of dignity and safety for student-athletes. The 2025 High School Bond proposes relocating the primary competition field to a new, purpose-built venue designed to meet current athletic and accessibility standards. This new stadium would: Provide regulation-size throwing areas for javelin, shot put, and discus Offer permanent restrooms, proper locker rooms (located within Helena High, but with properly branded as Bruin and Bengal), and privacy for athletes Accommodate spectators with expanded, accessible seating Include safe, efficient parking and event circulation Support both high school programs and Carroll College athletics In addition, Vigilante Stadium will be repurposed as a dedicated soccer facility, with a reconfigured field and upgraded amenities tailored to support local youth, high school, and recreational soccer programs. This investment creates not just one—but two appropriate, sport-specific competition venues for the community. It’s a long-overdue step that will improve equity, safety, and pride for athletes, students, families, and fans across Helena.
What are the current issues at the Vigilante Field?
Athletics Complexes Updates
Stay Tuned:
Although on the Helena High campus, the new Vigilante Stadium will have its own set of plans. We will keep you updated when we get to that point down the line.
