Letter to the editor: Time to fund Helena Schools adequately
Over past many decades, Helena taxpayers have funded school infrastructure less than every other similar school district in Montana except Billings, which holds the state record for underfunding schools.
Deferred maintenance has consequences.
For example, Helena High school, built 70 years ago, now has periodic rat and mice infestations, ceiling leaks and groundwater intrusion into some classrooms, a failing boiler, absent central air conditioning, windows that do not close fully in winter, and outer doors that must be opened for adequate ventilation in warm weather effectively defeating security. Asbestos persists in the floor tiles and insulation.
If a new Helena High School and assorted other building improvements in district schools remain unfunded, let me suggest some alternative actions to be taken without the improvements.
Helena High, as an example, could embrace the current conditions with curriculum additions. These might include a class during winter to study polar survival and physiology of hypothermia in the coldest classrooms. Or, during wet weather, rainwater and groundwater quality might be studied in water-affected classrooms. Asbestos and moisture prevalence offers an opportunity for training students interested in asbestos or mold removal certifications or careers. Most creatively, rats can be trained to provide a messenger service to those multiple classrooms that do not have functioning public address systems.
It is time to fund Helena Schools adequately.
Vote yes to support Helena schools in September.
John Mott
Helena