What is the difference between a bond and a levy? With the upcoming levy measure on the May 2020 ballot, this is one of the most frequent questions we receive.

Generally speaking, bonds are for buildings, levies are for learning. We'll explain:

Levies- Levies are for learning. They are shorter term, smaller, financing tools for school districts. Generally, levy funds are used by school districts to improve technology access, purchase equipment, hire additional support staff that may not be funded by the state, and for the maintenance (not construction or remodeling) of facilities. Levies also help maintain competitive wages for staff which is needed to retain and recruit quality teachers and support staff.  Levies also help keep class size smaller.

Bonds - Generally, bonds are for the construction, or remodeling of schools - or for larger construction projects or systems upgrades. Bonds provide financing for a longer period of time, similar to home mortgages. Our community passed a bond back in 2013, which supported building the new Irle Elementary.  The bond also supported improvements at the Glasgow Middle School and High School.

Here is a good educational video that describes school funding in the State of Montana.