Community engagement sessions scheduled for Whitefish High School bond proposal

The Whitefish School District will conduct seven community engagement meetings to provide information and answer questions regarding the proposed Whitefish High School academic expansion and athletic improvement concepts.

Whitefish School District’s board of trustees recently approved two separate bond proposals for the building expansion and athletic improvements. All active registered voters can vote on the bond measures by a mail ballot due by Sept. 17.

Community engagement sessions will be held at the high school starting at 5:30 p.m. on May 22, June 4, June 24, July 15, Aug. 5, Aug. 19, and Sept. 5.

“The future is exciting as our community and schools grow,” said Dave Means, superintendent for the school district. “Our enrollment continues to increase at an average rate of 2% annually. Our students are demonstrating growth in academic achievement and success in the arts and athletics. Together, we are supporting our students' success today and as we prepare them for the future.”

After the bond vote for a combined proposal was not approved last fall, the expansion committee, administration, and board of trustees gathered feedback from voters through conversations and a community survey. 

“We listened to the feedback from the community and adjusted the requests accordingly,” said Means. “The survey results and feedback indicated community support for separating the bonds, moving forward with a new request for the high school building expansion, and reducing the scope of the proposed athletic Improvements.”

The estimated cost of the building expansion is $26.5 million, and the athletic improvements are $6.1 million The estimated taxpayer impact of both bonds is $114.37 per year for a property with a taxable value of $600,000. This works out to $88.04 for the building and $26.33 for athletics, if approved.

Whitefish School District will send regular updates in the coming months and provide opportunities for the public to ask questions about the high school building expansion and athletic improvements. The May 22 community engagement meeting will include a brief presentation and an opportunity for school administrators to answer questions.

“The district’s goal is to meet the needs of our students for the next 15 to 20 years,” adds Means. “We are excited about Whitefish High School's future and look forward to discussing our next steps.”

For more information, visit www.whitefishschools.org and click on the WHS Expansion tab.

    Whitefish School District’s board of trustees recently approved two separate bond proposals for the building expansion and athletic improvements. All active registered voters can vote on the bond measures by a mail ballot due by September 17.