Trustees call placeholder election for high‑school safety levy; no dollar amount set

The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call a special election on Nov. 3, 2026, as a placeholder for a high‑school safety levy, giving district leaders time to refine the levy amount and program details. Denise Williams, director of business services and clerk, told trustees the board can call the special election “anytime during the year” and that placing the measure on the November ballot would be run by the Missoula County Elections Office.

Trustee Keegan Witt moved to call the election, and Trustee Ann Wake seconded the motion; trustees present voted in favor. Williams said the placeholder imposes no immediate levy amount and can be withdrawn later if the board decides against proceeding. Board members referenced an earlier planning figure of $1 million that had been set as a potentially palatable high‑school levy amount during prior discussions, but Williams and other administrators said staff need further work to scope projects and calculate costs.

Administrators and trustees discussed what the levy would fund, citing recurring costs for safety equipment and services. Assistant administrators pointed to a recent elementary camera contract that included about $150,000 in annual licensing fees as an example of ongoing technology costs the levy could help support. Trustee remarks framed the levy as a way to free general fund dollars currently being spent on safety so those funds can be redirected to classroom staffing.

Next steps: staff will continue planning and may propose a final levy amount and program details to the board before the district finalizes the ballot language. Because the board approved a placeholder rather than a specific tax rate or project list, voters will see a measure only if the board later places a defined proposal on the ballot.