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Local foundation proposes $300/month option for first right of refusal on teacher rental; district says it would not be landlord
Summary
The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation proposed that RLACF pay Roberts School District $300 per month for first right of refusal on a local rental property for five years to make housing available to district employees; the board discussed the proposal and asked about funding sources.
Representatives from the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation (RLACF) presented a proposal at the Jan. 15 board meeting to support local teacher housing by paying the district $300 per month for the first right of refusal on a house in Roberts for a five‑year period, with the payments going into a development fund for future affordable housing.
Brad Caton of RLACF told trustees the foundation has been working with Trust Montana on affordable housing and has a house that will be available for rent soon. "RLACF would like to enter into an agreement with the school district to pay $300 per month for the first right of refusal on the rental, which would be available to school district employees for the next five years," Caton said. Angela Getchell of RLACF said the foundation hopes to provide more units in the future.
Vice Chair Nick Dobbel asked whether grant funding could help cover the $300 monthly charge; Caton replied an outside entity could help support the project. Superintendent Alex Ator clarified the district would not act as landlord under the proposal. "We would not be landlords in this situation, all we would do is spend $300 per month for the first right of refusal on the house," Ator said.
The board did not take final action at the Jan. 15 meeting and was told a decision would be needed soon. Trustees asked about potential grant sources and the possibility of expanding the model if it proves workable.
What comes next: the district will continue to consider the RLACF proposal and investigate funding options and contract terms before any formal agreement is approved.
