Valley View School was started in 1910 as a three-room schoolhouse, and now stands as one of the last remaining rural schoolhouses in Lake County. 

To improve functionality, the school leveraged CARES Act funding — federal COVID-19 relief packages — to create the shell of its new multi-purpose building, but $150,000 is still needed to obtain a certificate of occupancy, and an additional estimated $40,000 is needed to complete the building.

Lake County Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Hall, who oversees the small K-6 school, explained that state funding is “very limited” and not really intended for construction. She said these funds can be used towards improvement or maintenance, but not for an entire building. 

To fund a project like this, a school would typically ask taxpayers to pass a bond, but Hall said the taxable values are low in the Valley View area and the local ranchers are already “doing the maximum” to support the community. 

“And really the American public with beef,” Hall added. “We don’t want to put an additional burden on them.” 

Hall said there was previously additional space outside the classrooms, but during COVID-19, renovations were made to meet pandemic safety standards. This removed the extra space, resulting in students now spending their entire day in the classroom and leaving no room for specialized learning spaces or seating beyond their desks. 

It further reduced space for community use, but completing this multi-purpose building will give students an indoor recreation space during bad weather, provide additional classroom space and allow the community to use it as a local gathering place. 

To get this building done, a committee of roughly 14 people has come together and kick-started a fundraiser called Denim and Diamonds. The fundraiser will be hosted on Sept. 19 at The Shoe in Polson and will feature dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. 

Dylen McCrumb explained that her daughter started attending the school last year, and it was a great environment. As she became involved as a PTO member, she quickly learned that state funding was not enough to complete this project, prompting her to help organize the fundraiser to make it possible. 

Connecting with Scott Biggs, the owner of The Shoe and the manager, Jennifer Chambers, was happy to step in, providing the venue, catering and services for the fundraiser. 

McCrumb said they came up with the event theme, Denim and Diamonds, to welcome both people who want to dress up and those who just want to feel comfortable in their jeans. 

From there, the fundraiser has taken off with community support. McCrumb said they have had many donations to their auction from the community and local businesses. As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser has already received nearly $24,000. 

She said they are currently selling four different levels of sponsorships for the event, and the deadline to purchase a sponsorship is Friday, July 31. Single tickets are also available for the event at $65 each. 

Currently, the committee is still seeking donations for items to auction during the event or donations of time, labor or money to help finalize the multi-purpose building. 

McCrumb noted that donations should be made to Valley View School, and more information about the fundraiser is available at https://ValleyViewSchoolDenimandDiamonds.auctria.events. For other donations or services to help complete the project, the school can be contacted at 406-883-2208.