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Board accepts $500,000 for CMR auditorium improvements and establishes permanent arts fund
Summary
Trustees accepted a $500,000 gift to improve the Centimeters/Rustler (CMR) High School auditorium and the district’s foundation will place an earlier $1,000,000 anonymous donation into a new permanent fund expected to disburse $40,000–$50,000 annually for fine-arts programming.
The Great Falls Public Schools Board of Trustees voted March 9 to accept a $500,000 gift designated for improvements at the CMR High School auditorium and to support creation of a permanent fine-arts fund re-purposing an earlier $1,000,000 anonymous donation.
Why it matters: The district previously intended to use the $1,000,000 donation for full auditorium remediation but could not secure the additional remediation funding. District and foundation staff said the best near-term use is targeted improvements to the sound system, stage lighting and sound booth while preserving the remaining funds in a permanent arts endowment.
Stephanie Becker of the foundation detailed the project history and the pivot: after intensive fundraising and review the auditorium remediation scope exceeded available funds, so donors and district staff narrowed priorities to elements that will materially improve student performance and audience experience. Becker said the permanent fund will support K–12 fine-arts opportunities “to go into perpetuity” and estimated annual disbursements of $40,000–$50,000 beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Trustee Kenny moved to accept the $500,000 donation for the CMR auditorium improvements; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Trustees and staff emphasized the district’s intention to design improvements that will be useful whether or not a future full renovation is possible.
Next steps: District staff will work with CMR faculty and technical teams to finalize project scope and contracts for the sound, lighting and booth work. The foundation will finalize governance and disbursement policies for the new permanent fine-arts fund.
