Whitefish School District Proposes Transformative Bonds for High School Expansion and Athletic Upgrades

The Whitefish School District is seeking voter approval for two separate bond measures that aim to modernize and enhance the educational and athletic facilities at Whitefish High School. The proposed $32.6 million in bonds would fund a high school expansion and remodel, as well as the construction of an on-campus football stadium and track. Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots by mail, with the deadline set for September 17.

Investing in the Future of Whitefish's Students

High School Expansion and Renovation

The $26.5 million high school expansion bond will provide additional classrooms and labs, as well as renovations to the learning kitchen for an expanded culinary arts program. The bond will also create a flexible learning environment at Whitefish Independent High School, allowing for more multipurpose space adjacent to the gym and additional classrooms and facilities for core academic classes and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs.The expansion will enable the growth of career and technical education programs, including culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, building trades, business, agriculture, biomedical science, biotechnology, and horticulture. Improving safety and security is also a key focus, with the bond addressing the need to reduce student travel to auxiliary buildings and adding secure entrances.

Athletic Facility Upgrades

The $6.1 million athletic bond proposal includes the construction of a new 10-lane track and field, a district-owned football field, new grandstands with 1,500 seats and room for expansion, as well as new admissions, concessions, and restroom facilities. The plan also calls for additional parking and a new grass practice/multipurpose field, all with improved accessibility.These athletic upgrades will provide Whitefish High School's student-athletes with state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing their training and competition experiences. The on-campus football stadium and track will also serve as a community hub, fostering school spirit and bringing the Whitefish community together.

Addressing Past Challenges

The current bond proposals come after Whitefish voters rejected a $33.7 million bond issue last October that would have funded both the high school expansion and a more comprehensive athletic facility project. The district has now opted to present the community with two separate bond measures, allowing voters to consider the academic and athletic needs independently.This strategic approach aims to address the specific concerns raised during the previous bond vote, providing the community with a more tailored and focused plan for the high school's development. By separating the academic and athletic components, the district hopes to garner broader support and ensure that the community's priorities are met.

Community Engagement and Support

The Whitefish School District is actively engaging with the community to address any questions or concerns about the bond proposals. District staff will be available at the Back to School Bash on September 12 to provide information and answer questions from the public.Additionally, the district has made comprehensive details about the bond measures available on its website, www.whitefishschools.org. This transparency and outreach demonstrate the district's commitment to ensuring that Whitefish residents are well-informed and empowered to make an educated decision on the future of their high school.As the September 17 voting deadline approaches, the Whitefish community has the opportunity to shape the educational and athletic landscape of their high school. These bond proposals represent a pivotal moment in the district's history, with the potential to unlock new possibilities for the students and the community as a whole.