MISSOULA — Voters approved three of the four Missoula County Public Schools levy requests on Tuesday, May 7.
According to the Missoula County Elections Office, unofficial results show the MCPS General Fund Levy and Safety Levy requests for the Elementary District have passed.
The General Fund Levy request for the High School District also passed. However, voters turned down the High School Safety Levy request.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Missoula residents and voters,” said MCPS Superintendent Micah Hill. “Although Missoula voters have historically been supportive of MCPS funding requests in the past, we recognize that this year was an especially tough time for property taxpayers throughout Missoula County.”
“We are naturally disappointed that the high school safety levy fell short, as it would have been significant in providing very needed resources in serving our students and staff,” Hill continued. “We will continue to work hard to earn the respect and trust from our taxpayers that will help us provide the students and families of our district with an exceptional educational experience.
“Strong schools are a byproduct of a strong community. Everyone benefits when our schools are able to provide our students with the best possible educational experience," Hill stated. "We are very proud that our schools are an integral and vibrant part of our thriving community. On behalf of MCPS, I thank Missoula voters for their continued support of our students, staff and school communities.”
Voters also elected Christina Eblen and Jenny Walsh to join the MCPS Board of Trustees as the two new representatives for the K-12 District. They will be sworn in at an upcoming Board meeting.
MCPS elections unofficial results:
- High School District General Fund Levy: For: 15,479; Against: 14,658
- High School District Safety Levy: For: 13,742; Against: 16,393
- Elementary District General Fund Levy: For: 11,394; Against: 7,603
- Elementary District Safety Levy: For: 9,630; Against: 9,301
MCPS Trustee election results:
Elementary District - 3 year terms (the two highest vote totals are elected)
- Jenny Walsh: 10,061
- Christina Eblen: 7,232
- Melodie Velasco-Stenger: 4,440
- Karl Schmitz: 3,447
High School District (all elected by acclamation)
- Rob Woelich - 3 year term (Hellgate Elementary District)
- Ann Wake - 1 year term (DeSmet, Woodman, and Lolo Elementary Districts)
- Arlene Walker-Andrews - 3 year term (Target Range and Bonner Elementary Districts)
MCPS Superintendent MIcah Hill sent the following email to families and students:
Dear MCPS Community,
Missoula voters have once again demonstrated support for Missoula County Public Schools through the passage of three local levies in Tuesday’s school elections. Voters approved the General Fund Levy and Safety Levy for the Elementary District (K-8), and approved the General Fund Levy for the High School District (9-12). The High School District Safety Levy did not pass. Voters also elected two new trustees to serve on the MCPS Board of Trustees (see trustee election results below).
The following are the unofficial results of the MCPS elections. Please understand that all results are “unofficial” until confirmed and canvassed by the Board of Trustees. The total number of ballots cast and counted is 32,812.On behalf of the Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees, students, staff and administration, we are humbled and grateful for the support the community has shown our schools through the passage of these levy requests. We are naturally disappointed that the high school safety levy fell short, as it would have been significant in providing very needed resources in serving our students and staff. We will continue to work hard to earn the respect and trust from our taxpayers that will help us provide the students and families of our district with an exceptional educational experience. Levy dollars help us do this. We are 100 percent committed to being conscientious stewards of our resources and to honoring the tax dollars that support us.
- High School District General Fund Levy: PASSED. (For: 15,479; Against: 14,658)
- High School District Safety Levy: FAILED. (For: 13,742; Against: 16,393)
- Elementary District General Fund Levy: PASSED. (For: 11,394; Against: 7,603)
- Elementary District Safety Levy: PASSED. (For: 9,630; Against: 9,301)
Strong schools are a byproduct of a strong community. Everyone benefits when our schools are able to provide our students with the best possible educational experience. We are very proud that our schools are an integral and vibrant part of our thriving community. On behalf of MCPS, I thank Missoula voters for their continued support of our students, staff and school communities.
Sincerely,
Micah Hill
