Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: March 6, 2018

How much will the bond levy cost me?

The increase in taxes for the Elementary School District bond amount of $9,152,000 (including interest) on a $100,000 “market valued” home is estimated at approximately $46.26/year or $3.85/month for 20 years.

The increase in taxes for the High School District bond amount of $12,970,000 (including interest) on a $100,000 “market valued” home is estimated at approximately $49.07/year or $4.09/month for 20 years.

Each property owner can calculate the amount for their own property by using the property tax calculators that can be found at these links:

Stevensville Elementary District Residents Bond Calculator (Combined High School and Elementary School Bonds)

Lone Rock Elementary District Residents Bond Calculator (High School District Bond Only)

Each property owner can calculate the amount for their own property by using the property tax calculator that can be found at this link:

http://svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral/

Houses in Stevensville do not cost $100,000 why do you use that figure?

The District uses this figure to make it easier for people to understand and to estimate other home valuations. The $100,000 value provides for an easy multiplier. For example, if you think your house’s market value is $200,000, you can multiply the amount, for example $3.85/month (see question #1) by 2, to get a quick estimate of $7.70. If you think your house’s market value is $150,000, you multiply it by 1.5 to get $5.78. You can do that math in your head. If we put forth the amount for a $150,000 value, it is not easy to do the math for other increments such as $100,000, $200,000, $250,000, etc.

Montana Code Annotated also requires that school districts utilize the $100,000 and $200,000 amount in levy language (MCA 15-10-425). The District has consistently used this figure in compliance. This consistent use allows levy costs to be compared over the years. As we seek to inform the public, we just use the $100,000 amount as it is easy to figure out the $200,000 amount.

When will the existing bond for Stevensville Middle School be paid off?

The existing bond of $8,880,000 is a fifteen year bond for only in the Stevensville Elementary District. There is not an existing bond in the Stevensville High School District.

The existing bond passed in 2010 the Elementary District to fund construction of the Middle School and Music/MPR/Lunch facility. This bond will mature (paid in full) in the year 2026.

Why don’t we build a new high school and move the K-3 or middle school students into the high school?

This is a multi-faceted question. First and foremost, the architects estimate construction costs for a new high school facility inclusive of a gym and other necessary facilities to be $35,000,000 to $40,000,000. This cost does not include the remodel of the existing high school and K-3 buildings which would likely remain in use. It is worth noting that the majority of deferred maintenance in the District is in the high school building.

In the unlikely event one of these buildings were removed from use, the projected cost of $35,000,000 to $40,000,000 does not include demolition costs.

Why are both the elementary and high school districts paying portions of the bus, track, football, and other exterior facilities renovations?

Both elementary and high school students use these facilities and services. Currently, our enrollment is approximately 60 percent K-8 students and 40 percent high school students. However, not all facilities are used at a 60%-40% ratio. It is easy to calculate our maintenance and bus usage by enrollment percentages. Other facilities such as track and football fields are nearly an even split for usage while our tennis courts are used about 80% of the time by the high school PE and tennis programs.

The District made a very honest effort to assign costs in a fair and realistic manner.

Why don’t we put camera and buzzer system in?

The District is working to secure all of our entrances and exits. The problem we have with this security measure is that our students are required to enter and exit the building multiple times per day due to annex buildings. We are currently seeking ways to limit this access while allowing students time to cross between buildings during passing times. We are working to complete security measures that can be effectively incorporated into new construction should the bond pass.

Would HS be required to have west facing emergency exit?

This is a construction code issue. It is highly likely that an alarmed emergency exit would be required on the West side of the building. We will rely on the architect to design a certified plan and construction plans must go through an approval process insure that the design meets fire code.

Why don’t we make kids ride the bus?

This question relates directly to our parking lot designs. While we do provide bus services, students are not required to ride school provided transportation. In addition, parking is not just for students. Please remember that parents frequently drive students to school. Also, many school and community events take place at the schools. These events often host large numbers of patrons and out-of-town attendees that require parking spaces. We are working to reduce parking congestion on streets near the school while providing parking space for our events. We want to be a good neighbor to those that live near the school as well as the entire community.

How much do we spend on portable toilets?

The District expended $2,640 on outdoor toilets for the 2016-17 school year. This excludes those toilets for spring and summer activities paid for by the youth sports associations. For the 2017-18 year we will have the need for toilets for tennis, track, and spring events. Thus a current cost cannot be determined.

Can we get an engineer statement on grandstands?

Beaudette Consulting Engineers Inc. has provided a letter stating that there are “structural deficiencies with the diagonally (sic) braces and base connections…The known (and any unknown) deficiencies do not satisfy the International Building Code (IBC, 2012 and local building code requirements and should be addressed.”

Access to the grandstand has been closed based on this opinion to insure the safety of our students and patrons.

Can we cut football field sod and lay back down?

The intent is to reuse what we can from the field. There is currently a sprinkler system that we would like to preserve. This is very dependent on how track drainage and track runways are installed and heavy equipment damage. We will make these decision based on cost effectiveness. It is likely that the sod will be removed for a significant length of time and may not survive. At the same time, we hope that we can keep the majority of the field intact.