Joliet voters approved building reserve fund levies for both the high school and elementary schools last month. Superintendent Clark Begger attributed this success to the Joliet School Board's history of fiscal responsibility, stating that the passage of the levy is proof of a high level of trust.
From an anonymous online survey of the community, this appears to be partially true. One-third of respondents who voted for the levies stated the school has a history of being fiscally responsible. Fifty percent of yes respondents felt it was just a renewal of an existing levy, so it wouldn't be a greater financial burden. One respondent felt it was necessary for Joliet to keep up with the surrounding schools, and another said they voted for the kids to have what they need.
The responses from those who voted against the levy were the polar opposite. There were concerns about the District's transparency of how it is choosing to spend taxpayer money, specifically the lack of maintenance of the boiler/HVAC system, which led to kids having to wear their coats in classes last winter, the purchase of unusable VR headsets, as well as an ill advised UTV purchase and its unused attachments. There were also concerns about certain staff raises when the buildings are in need of repair.
One respondent voted no with an eye to the future. The District is currently considering a building bond to provide additional classroom space for the rapidly growing student body. That respondent felt, with everyday housing and living costs rising so rapidly, a choice had to be made and the future bond was more important.
None of the voters who voted against the levy said that they would change their vote if it were to be held at the time of the survey (a month later). One-third of the yes respondents would change their vote to a no and one respondent stated they would possibly change their vote. The issue with the dismissal of the track coach was mentioned on two occasions as a reason for changing their vote. (Full disclosure, the author of this piece is the aforementioned track coach.) One stated that education should be more important than the coaching issue and another stated that they did not know the District was treating people that way.
Despite the concerns, the levy was approved and Joliet School District has continued funding to repair and maintain facilities. The District intends to use these funds to secure building access for student safety, electrical repairs and upgrades, plumbing repairs and upgrades, boiler repair, gymnasium floor refinishing, maintenance of water heaters, asphalt repair, concrete repair, roof replacement/repair, kitchen appliance upgrades, and to lease and equip modular classrooms.
In a letter to the community Superintendent Begger encouraged stakeholders to give him a call to hear more about the District's plans to responsibly utilize levy funds. He can be reached at the school phone number, 406-962-3541, or via email at cbegger@joliet.k12.mt.us.
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