East Helena public schools seeking mill levy to help restore staffing levels

EAST HELENA, Mont. - The East Helena School District plans to ask for a general fund operations levy to help restore staffing levels and maintain high-quality education for the community.

The East Helena school board is requesting a $392,172 levy to support the district’s general fund.

East Helena Public Schools superintendent Dan Rispens said the main purpose of the mill levy is to hire at least five additional full-time teachers.

Primarily for the middle school and high school to enable some key additions and changes.

“Offer more electives and programming and adjust their schedules to a more traditional school schedule. They currently operate on a block schedule with long periods that rotate like an A and B type basis,” said Rispens.

Rispens said block schedules have been problematic for middle and high school students for not staying focused during long class periods.

He adds student athletes are affected by the block schedule due to their travel schedule and missing a lot of class time.

So in order to make the switch to a more traditional schedule, the district needs additional staff.

“I just think it’s important for people to understand that the money is going directly towards hiring teachers and paying teacher salaries. So that money gets turned around and put back into the local economy in the form of people who are buying goods and services, renting and buying houses and alike,” said Rispens.

If this mill levy were to be approved by voters, the estimated cost is around $4-$6 per month for the average homeowner.

Rispens said this levy matters because it will help ensure students continue to receive a high-quality education while allowing the district to attract and retain excellent educators.

“We're very sincere on what we’re asking for and we want to be respectful of people’s finances and budgets. but also make sure that we’re doing the very best we can for our kids,” said Rispens.

There will be a presentation Tuesday about the mill levy at Missouri River Brewing Company at 6:30 p.m.

If you can’t make it Tuesday, another information session is scheduled on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Lifepoint Church.

Ballots were mailed to voters last week and they need to be returned to the Lewis and Clark County elections office on election day, May 5.

Make sure you are registered to vote. Registration forms are available through the Montana Secretary of State. If you have further questions about the mill levy, contact Dan Rispens at drispens@ehps.k12.mt.us or call 406-277-7700.