Dear Columbus School District Friends and Families,
We hope you’re enjoying a beautiful spring! Thank you so much for your continued support of the Columbus School District—it really makes a difference, and we appreciate it more than words can say.
In this newsletter, we’ll share information about the upcoming school election and a few other important updates. As always, we’d love to hear from you, so please reach out with any questions, thoughts, or ideas. Your voice matters
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community.
Columbus School District Technology Levy Information
The Columbus School Board of Trustees passed a resolution to conduct a school election on May 5, 2026. This election will be conducted by mail ballot, with ballots mailed to voters beginning April 15, 2026. The Trustees approved the final ballot language at the March 10, 2026 school board meeting.
On the ballot will be two technology levies—one for the high school and one for the elementary school—each in the amount of $200,000. The levies would be in place for 10 years. At scheduled school board meetings, the reasons for running the levy were presented and discussed.
The district wants to ensure that all stakeholders understand why the district is asking voters to consider a technology levy. The following points outline how the funds would be used to support students, staff, and school safety.
Protect Cybersecurity and Student Data
Funds will help protect student data and information by supporting cybersecurity tools, system monitoring, and technology safeguards.
Enhance School Safety and Emergency Response
Funds will be used to update and maintain emergency response systems, including school safety apps and classroom emergency communication systems, allowing for quicker response times in emergency situations.
Improve Network Infrastructure and Internet
Funds will ensure that internet access remains fast, reliable, and capable of supporting the technology needs of both students and staff.
Enhance Digital Learning and Curriculum
Funds will allow students to access online programs, learning platforms, and educational software that are increasingly necessary in today’s classrooms.
Prepare Students for the Modern Workforce
Funds will support opportunities for students to develop essential technology skills such as research, coding, collaboration, and responsible technology use.
Maintain Reliable Classroom Technology
Funds will be used to update and replace outdated or obsolete technology and systems used in classrooms throughout the district.
Provide Equal Access to Technology
Funds will help ensure all students have access to safe and effective technology at school, including those who may not have access to technology outside of school.
Technology infrastructure and equipment must be maintained and updated on a regular basis. If approved, this levy will help ensure:
Consistent technology upgrades and replacements
Reliable technology in every classroom
Strong network infrastructure
Systems that enhance student and school safety
This investment will help ensure that Columbus students have the tools and technology needed to learn, succeed, and be prepared for the future.
Financial Impacts
As mentioned earlier, each district—the Elementary and High School—will have a $200,000 levy on the ballot. The levies are for a 10 year term.
An exciting and positive change during the 2025 legislative session will reduce the tax impact on residential properties in Montana compared to prior years. The new residential tax rates decreased from 1.35% to 0.76% for property values up to $400,000, and from 1.35% to 1.10% for property values between $400,000 and $1.5 million.
The estimated annual financial impact on residential properties for the Elementary Technology levy under the new tax rates is:
$6.82 per year for a home valued at $100,000
$20.45 per year for a home valued at $300,000
$47.00 per year for a home valued at $600,000
For comparison, the following estimates are based on the old tax rates, which show that the new tax rates listed above are significantly lower.
$12.11 per year for a home valued at $100,000
$36.33 per year for a home valued at $300,000
$72.66 per year for a home valued at $600,000
The estimated annual financial impact on residential properties for the High School Technology levy under the new tax rates is::
$6.76 per year for a home valued at $100,000
$20.27 per year for a home valued at $300,000
$46.58 year for a home valued at $600,000
For comparison, the following estimates are based on the old tax rates, which show that the new tax rates listed above are significantly lower.
$12 per year for a home valued at $100,000
$36 per year for a home valued at $300,000
$72 per year for a home valued at $600,000
Levy Information Presentations
Join us for one of the upcoming information presentations where we discuss the general fund levy, as well as answer any questions. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
March 26th, 6PM in the Middle School Commons
April 2nd, 6PM in the Middle School Commons
April 16th, 6PM in the Middle School Commons
Trustee Election
Also on the ballot are elections for School Trustees. There are two 3-year terms, with five candidates running: Michael Delzer, Rachael Geehan, Nichole Guza-Waltner, Susan Ivankovich, and Gary Timm.
There is one 1-year term, with three candidates running: Lisa Browning, Perry Helt, and Laura Kienitz
School Board Candidate Forum
We are pleased to announce that the Columbus Education Association (CEA) will host a School Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, April 7th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the High School Gymnasium.
CEA will ask the candidates a series of questions, giving the public the opportunity to hear their responses. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questions during the forum.
Please mark your calendars and join us!
In Closing
Thank you again for everything you do for the Columbus School District. Wishing you a wonderful and joyful spring season!
Sincerely,
Casey Klasna