It is a property tax approved by voters to fund specific school operations or improvements that the state’s base funding doesn't cover.

If the levy does not pass, there will be no associated increase to property taxes. However, the school district will forfeit $47,975.06 in funding authorized by law.

The Bottom Line: The district is already facing a significant budget shortfall. While this levy alone will not solve the entire deficit, every dollar is critical. If it fails, the existing shortfall will grow, likely leading to further reductions in personnel and increased pressure on our remaining staff and programs.

It’s a common frustration, but here’s the key: most of that increase went to the State of Montana, not your local school. Out of every dollar you pay in property tax, only a small fraction stays in Gallatin Gateway to maintain our school. This levy is a local choice — the funds are legally protected, meaning they cannot be taken by the state or used by other districts. These dollars stay here for our kids and our property values.

This levy is not for new projects or "extras." It goes directly into the General Fund, which covers the daily costs of running our schools.

Because we are already facing a significant budget shortfall and losing staff to resignations and cuts, these funds will be used to stabilize what remains. Specifically, the money helps:

• Protect Staff Positions: This funding helps minimize further staff reductions and ensures our teachers are paid fairly.

• Maintain Basic Operations: It pays for the essentials like utilities.

• Reduce the Deficit: While $47,975.06 does not fix the entire shortfall, it prevents the current gap from widening by that same amount.

The Reality: This is a "triage" measure. It won't solve the financial crisis, but it helps protect the core services and personnel our students rely on every day.

The STARS Act (HB 252) was passed by the Montana Legislature because they recognized that teachers can no longer afford to live in high-cost areas like Gallatin County. By law, 47.5% of this levy is restricted to teacher recruitment and retention. If we can't house them, we lose them to bigger districts, and our local education suffers.

Not even close. For a home with an assessed value of $600,000, the impact is approximately $4.83 per month. That’s less than a single breakfast burrito at a local cafe to ensure our school remains a top-tier independent district.