The Deer Lodge School District unification passed 876-520 on Nov. 7.
Rural areas in Avon, Elliston, Gold Creek, Precinct 2 (from Garrison to the Deer Lodge Fairgrounds), Helmville and Ovando voted against the proposition 156-290.
“I hope it’s a good change and beneficial to all involved,” Kelley Knight, Powell County Deputy Clerk and Recorder said. “The cards will play themselves out eventually.”
About 35% of registered voters participated in the election.
According to Rick Duncan, Superintendent of both Powell County High School and Deer Lodge Elementary, there will be no immediate impact on taxpayers. Duncan became joint superintendent in 2022.
The change will go into effect in July 2024 at the start of the 2024-25 school year. Goals of unification include curriculum alignment and resource sharing between schools, and developing employment and insurance plans for teachers and staff.
“With the district more than doubling the student population from 200 in the High School to over 600 combined with the elementary school, we hope for more economical purchasing with things like natural gas and school supplies,” Duncan told the Pathfinder. “Overall it’s been a pretty positive response.”
The county-wide vote was triggered when Deer Lodge District #1 (Elementary school) and the high school board passed joint resolutions requesting unification.
Rural school districts will have up to four members on the new unified nine person school board. County Superintendent Glisson will appoint the first board members.
“There shouldn’t be any impact on rural schools,” Kerry Glisson, Powell County Schools Superintendent said. “They will stay independent and beautiful rural schools.”
Duncan said the rural representatives would only vote on the high school level, while elementary board members would vote on both high school and elementary.
Some rural residents were concerned with how the vote went.
“I’m not surprised at the vote, but I’m concerned about rural representation,” Sue Graveley, Helmville school clerk and prior principal said. “Just look at the voting numbers and it’s apparent that Northern Powell County is outnumbered.”
The vote tallied at Ovando 29-70, Helmville 12-80, Gold Creek 18-33, Avon 30-47, Elliston 39-42, Precinct 2 28-18.
The unified district would continue to have separate budgets, but cut costs by working together on administrative fees and insurance coverage, the Pathfinder previously reported.
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