Impact of proposed bond for Whitefish High School expansion decreases
A rendering shows the overhead view of the proposed Whitefish High School expansion. Additions are highlighted in blue, plus the athletic fields and facilities. (Rendering provided by Cushing Terrell)
A bond that would fund the expansion of Whitefish High School and activities complex is expected to have less of an impact on property tax owners than originally anticipated.
If approved, the $33.7 million bond would increase taxes on a home valued at $600,000 by about $146 per year. This is 38% lower than the original estimate which had been about $237 per year.
Voters are set to decide the levy election during a mail-in ballot on Oct. 3.
The Whitefish School Board approved the final ballot last week including updated tax estimates. The change is the result of new construction spreading out the tax burden, according to the school district, along with additional relief coming from the school district completing payment of the Whitefish Middle School bond in July.
The school district says the project would address the critical needs of the high school as it has experienced significant growth in enrollment.
“The growth of our community speaks to beautiful and vibrant places where families want to live and raise families,” said Dave Means, superintendent of Whitefish School District. “We currently have 638 students enrolled in Whitefish High School and have surpassed what is recommended for our space.”
About $22.1 million of the bond would go toward the academic building expansion. The plan calls for 24 additional classrooms, labs, and shops, renovations to kitchen space, and the Independent High School.
It also includes expanded career technical education facilities, and safety and security will be increased by reducing student travel to auxiliary buildings, according to the district.
About $11.6 million would go toward the athletic complex in order to host sports events on the school campus. Whitefish is one of the few Class A schools in the state without many of its athletic fields. Participation in sports has grown by 25% over the past decade with more than 500 students currently participating, according to the district.
“Academic and career and technical expansions are the main focus — and our athletic complex is of vital importance as well,” said Means. “Addressing overcapacity challenges will improve student learning and safety while we position our students for college and career readiness. Athletic field transitions, as well as the limitations, restrictions, and ongoing costs in leasing non-district athletic fields, can be addressed by this new plan.”
Mail-in ballots will be sent on Sept. 14 and must be received by Oct. 3. Ballots may be mailed or dropped off at the Whitefish School District office.