The preliminary budget for the Whitefish School District factors in about $30 million in levy funds due to the high school expansion project, which has made quick progress this summer.  

The total 2026-27 preliminary budget is $31,685,167, a 3.57% increase year over year.  

The elementary general fund budget will increase by $167,911, or 1.43%, and the high school general fund will increase by $404,134, or 6.39%.  

General funds are primarily tied to student enrollment. Whitefish's high school enrollment increased by 6.36% while elementary decreased by 1.89%. Despite the enrollment numbers, both funds still see an increase due to the state's 3% inflationary increase.  

There is $909,219 budgeted from federal and state grants, a 6% decrease.  

The district relies on Federal Title and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) grants to supplement instructional costs. The grant funding has been steadily decreasing, leading to a higher dependence on the general fund to cover these expenses, according to Business Clerk Lucie Shea. 

Shea estimates that "mostly all" federal grants will decrease.  

"I say this is an estimate because the final funding numbers for Title and IDEA are not released by OPI [Office of Public Instruction] until September," she said. "It's a gut feeling." 

The district experienced higher-than-usual retirement rates among senior staff in June. While these retirements provide some savings, they will be offset by the rising costs of goods and services.  

A general challenge within the district's funding model is that the costs are not necessarily proportionate to enrollment, according to Shea. For example, if a student leaves, they can't lay off a paraeducator.  

A more detailed budget will be presented in August. 

CONSTRUCTION for the Whitefish High School academic and athletic expansion projects has been making the most of the warm, out-of-school months.  

"We've crunched a lot into these summer months to get a lot done," said Luke Hamman, owner's representative.  

Heavy rain a few weeks ago slowed things a bit, with some pumping of water required, but things have caught up, he said.  

On the academic side, micro pile and foundation work continues and site preparation for the trades area has started. Recent work included rerouting underground power near the commons area and adding structural reinforcements to the black box and music room. Wrestling area remodeling will be done by the fall.  

On the athletic side, irrigation and sod are going down so that practice fields will be ready for football in August. Poles for lighting are starting to go up and bleachers will follow. A new track will be set before the weather gets cool.  

The budget is on track with 21% spent, totalling $7,716,204.83.  

Contingencies, which are set aside for unforeseen costs, are "very healthy" at this point, Hamman said. 

Talk for donors contributing to elements of the projects continues. Shea clarified that the fundraising is "beyond the bond," meaning it does not fulfill the obligations of what bonds were sold for nor signify that funds are low. 

The school board also approved a $7,400 annual contract to lease Memorial Field from the Glacier Twins.  

"This is a historical moment," Shea said. "This is the very last time."  

The new practice fields will be ready for football this year, but the district's new game field will not be completed until the 2027 football season. The track will be done for spring 2027 competition.  

In other items, the board approved an MOU specifying financial support from Whitefish Education Foundation.  

The district adopted "Character Strong" curriculum to replace "GAT" (Getting Along Together). The digital Pre K-12 program is recommended by the Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC) and the Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA) to cultivate character development. It integrates critical prevention lessons on topics like digital safety, substance use and bullying.  

Administrators expect the program to streamline meeting state requirements and expect it to better align with goals for Whitefish graduates, as outlined in the district's graduate profile.  

"We're really excited to bring those graduate profile durable skills to life this year," said Superintedent Lisa Bloom. 

Assistant Superintedent Josh Branstetter said they are also working on professional development to help implement Character Strong.  

The board adopted a few policy changes. President’s Day is no longer a required holiday for classified staff. 

Editor Kelsey Evans can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.

    Provided photo of sod going down on new practice fields, to be ready for Whitefish High School fall sports.
  

    Provided photo of steel truss structural reinforcing in Black Box at Whitefish High School.
  

    Provided photo of stem walls for the academic expansion underway at Whitefish High School.
  

    Electrical had to be rerouted near the commons area for the Whitefish High School academic expansion. Provided photo.