COLUMBIA FALLS — The ballots have been sent out for the $37 million Columbia Falls School District bond request.
Superintendent Steve Bradshaw says it's been 20 years since the district asked for bond and the extra support is desperately need. The majority of the money would go towards fixing ailing school buildings.
For example, Ruder Elementary School needs more classrooms to keep up with the continued growth in the Flathead Valley.
Bradshaw says Glacier Gateway Elementary School was built in the 1940's and the parts that still stand aren't salvageable. If the bond passes, a new elementary school would be built.
Bradshaw says he would much rather address all issues with the bond instead of patching things up.
"Thermostat control issues in both buildings. There's just a lot of work,” he told MTN News. “We could put in a lot of money into the buildings the course of the next five to ten years and still be in the same spot we are in right now."
The ballots mailed out this week and are due back on Oct. 8. Click here for more information about the school bond request,
