Building community through our schools

Whitefish School District will request a Building Reserve Levy in a May voter election. This is an important issue for the community.

Since 1987, Tax Increment Funds have been used by the school district to provide maintenance to building facilities for all of our schools. Most school districts in Montana have a building reserve levy that is approved by the public. Our TIF funding has not only been helpful for our downtown economic development, but also for our schools.

Changes in state law last year now require Whitefish to have a Building Reserve Levy in place in order for us to use the funds raised through TIF funding.

The Whitefish community is a standout in the nation. The engagement and interest from our parents — and their investment in their children’s learning — sets an example for many communities. Even for citizens without children, we know that our school system is a key building block of our community.

What is this vote about? Shall we continue to provide our students and teachers with healthy learning environments?

Any responsible homeowner knows the importance of building maintenance. We all must invest in the maintenance of our homes. Experts recommend 3 percent annually — and it’s no different for schools.

We have been lucky to use these TIF funds since 1987. We have not needed to request a building reserve levy to fund the maintenance of our buildings until now. Maintaining a comfortable learning environment for our students means that our teachers will be able to teach in the most effective way possible.

We ask voters to approve this measure to keep our school facilities in good standing. It will cost about $36.50 each year for a home with a $200,000 taxable value.

I don’t take this request lightly. All of our taxes and mortgages are expensive. This modern life is difficult in many ways. But maintaining the academic development and future of our community is such a vital need — so we can continue to build and grow as a community.

Whitefish schools are the foundation of our community. Our students and teachers are the future of Whitefish and a worthwhile investment.

— Heather Davis Schmidt is Superintendent of Whitefish Schools