Ramsey School leaders urge council to approve 2‑acre purchase for expansion; commission discusses restarting process

Representatives of Ramsey School urged the Butte‑Silver Bow Judiciary Committee to authorize the purchase of a 2‑acre parcel directly north of Ramsey School, citing safety concerns and deteriorating modular classrooms. The committee discussed the history of the matter and directed staff to restart the process with a new communication and resolution so both parties can agree on contract language.

Chris Kellogg, who identified himself as speaking on behalf of the Ramsey School Board and superintendent, told the committee, “The safety concerns remain.” Tyson Gunderson, a Ramsey School Board member, pressed the committee for a decision and said, “The delay endangers our kids,” describing repeated meetings and his frustration at the lack of a final contract.

Committee members explained the procedural history: the full council previously approved a sale communication but not a final resolution because the parties could not agree on contract terms. Council Chair Morgan told the meeting there is a rule that this body cannot vote on the same communication twice, so staff and the County Attorney recommended introducing a new communication and then resubmitting a revised resolution once both parties agree to contract language. The County Attorney said she preferred to “clean the process up and start fresh” and rework the resolution before submitting it for a full council vote.

No final vote on the property purchase occurred at the committee meeting. Committee leadership said they would reconvene after a scheduled Committee of the Whole session to continue the discussion once revised documents are available.