Belgrade Public Schools voters to decide on staff salary levies May 5

BELGRADE, Mont. — Belgrade Public Schools voters will decide on two general fund mill levies during the annual school election on May 5.

The district announced the upcoming vote on March 27. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters starting April 17 and must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters will consider separate levies for the elementary district and high school district. According to the district, if approved, the levy increase would be allocated toward staff salaries and benefits.

The district says the levies are part of Montana's school funding structure. The state sets a maximum budget for each district but covers 80% of that amount. Local taxpayers must approve the remaining 20% through levies.

Belgrade's current enrollment sits below 2020 levels. Because Montana ties funding directly to student enrollment, the district's legal spending authority has decreased while costs for utilities, insurance and maintenance have risen, according to school officials.

"At the end of the day, our students' success depends on the people in our classrooms," Superintendent Dede Semerad said. "With 85% of our budget dedicated to staffing, it's clear that our people are our greatest asset."

Semerad said the levy would help the district offer competitive salaries to recruit and retain teachers amid rising living costs in the area.

The district has launched a "Straight Talk on School Finance" series in its Panther Pulse Email Newsletter to provide voters with information about the levies and school funding.

"Ultimately, school funding decisions belong to the community," Semerad said. "Our goal is to ensure every voter has the facts they need to make an informed choice."

Residents can sign up for the newsletter at www.bsd44.org/newsletters or contact the district administration office for more information.