Helena Public Schools > Friday Message from Superintendent Weltz | April 18, 2025

Friday Message from Superintendent Weltz | April 18, 2025

Click to play the video

In today’s newsletter:

Technology Levy: Today’s Chromebook is yesterday’s textbook
How to vote
New district FAQ answers questions on everything from budget to boundaries
What you need to know about measles
District seeks coaches, paras

Good Afternoon Families and Staff,

We have a lot going on in our district and in the statewide school funding world.

I know you have a lot of questions, and we’ve got answers!

Today we’re launching a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to address some of the hot topics on Helenans’ minds:

Why is the district seeking technology levies?

What happens if the levies don’t pass?

Has the district been using taxpayer dollars responsibly?

What about new funding from the state Legislature?

Why is our community at risk of a shared high school?

You’ll find information on these and many more issues affecting our public schools. You’ll also find a link to submit questions that we haven’t answered.

I invite you to explore the FAQ here.

Spring has sprung as things green up outside! We’re in a season of fresh starts and renewal, making this a fitting time to launch a new approach to our weekly newsletter.

We’re livening things up a bit with a new video update format. I hope you enjoy it and welcome your feedback as we seek the most effective way to share information with you.

Please join me join me as I sit down with District Technology Director Gary Myers to talk about the district’s Technology Levies and why they’re so vital to support students as we face historic funding shortfalls.

Also on the ballot is a General Operating Fund to support our Elementary District and three seats on the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees.

Two of the open seats are held by incumbents, Siobhan Hathhorn and Kay Satre, while a third is held by Trustee Jeff Hindoien, who is not running for re-election.

The League of Women Voters will hold a Candidates’ Forum Wednesday, April 23, 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Library.

If you want to gain a better understanding of the financial challenges facing Montana’s public schools, the League is also holding a Voter Information Forum Monday, April 28, 6-7 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Library.

I will be joined by Rob Watson, Executive Director of School Administrators of Montana (SAM), to talk about current school funding issues at the local and state level. District Technology Director Gary Myers will present on the Technology Levy.

Watch for the ballot to arrive in your mailbox early next week. Ballots must be returned to the Lewis & Clark County Elections Office or any polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 6. Please see additional information below on how to vote below.

Enjoy this beautiful spring weekend!

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

District News & Events

Voter Information from the Lewis & Clark Elections Office

Election Reminders for voters:

Check your voter status or polling place by visiting My Voting Information or call (406) 447-8339.
Remember to bring your photo ID or other acceptable forms of identification to your polling place when you vote.
Absentee ballots are accepted at the County Elections Office until 8 pm on Election Day.
When returning absentee ballots by mail, we recommend mailing them back one week or more before Election Day, so they arrive before the deadline.
Not registered? Visit us at 316 North Park Ave, Room 168.

Find sample ballots and additional information at: https://www.lccountymt.gov/Government/Clerk-and-Recorder-Treasurer/Elections

Budgets, Boudaries, Bonds: Your school district questions answered

Measles Outbreak in Gallatin County: Are the Helena Public Schools prepared?

On Thursday, April 17, five individuals in Gallatin County were diagnosed with measles, the first cases in Montana in 35 years. The Gallatin City-County Health Department is investigating the cases. The individuals are children and adults who were exposed to measles while traveling outside of Montana. All five individuals are unvaccinated, or vaccine status is unknown.

Measles is a highly contagious disease. It lives in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves. The majority of people exposed to measles that are not immune, will get infected with measles. It can take up to 10-14 days for an exposed person to develop the infection. Measles can cause serious illness.

Fortunately, our Helena Public School nurses work hard throughout the year to ensure we have accurate information on student vaccinations as well as medical, religious, and conditional exemptions. As a result, the current districtwide student vaccination rate for the Helena Public Schools is 97 percent.

Linked below are two documents that provide further information provided by Lewis and Clark Public Health including the incubation period, the time between exposure and sickness and quarantine.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.

Measles Public Health Notice

Measles FAQ

Lottery now open for Kindergarten Montessori spots!

If you have a student registered to start kindergarten this fall in Helena Public Schools, now is the time to join the lottery for a Montessori slot!

It’s simple to apply:

Print and complete the Montessori application form.
Submit your completed form by 3 pm, May 5, at any Helena Public Schools elementary. You may also email a completed application to Holly Vauter at hvauter@helenaschools.org
Make sure you get a “received” receipt when you turn in your application!

Names will be drawn May 8, 2025. Selected applicants will be called that evening. All others will receive an email the next day.

Learn more about the district’s Montessori Charter School at https://helenaschools.org/departments/montessori/

Helena Public Schools is seeking coaches!

Do you love working with kids? Are you passionate about sports, teamwork and mentorship? Helena Public Schools is hiring coaches, and we’d love to have you on the team!

Coaching is more than just a job – it’s a chance to inspire, encourage, and help students grow on and off the field. Whether you’re a seasoned coach ot z is a rewarding opportunity to give back to your community and make a real impact.

Click here to apply today!

HHS – Assistant Girls Soccer Coach

HHS- Assistant Speech and Debate

HHS- Head Dance Coach

HHS- Assistant Football Coach

HHS- JV Cheer Coach

CHS- Head Speech and Debate Coach

CHS- Head Wrestling Coach

CHS- JV Cheer Coach

High school summer job opportunity

Join our amazing SACC (School Aged Child Care) Team as a paraeducator! This is a fantastic opportunity to help children learn, grow and thrive.

As a paraeducator you will:
✅ Supervise and guide children through positive play and learning activities
✅ Reinforce good behavior and health habits using positive strategies
✅ Support fun events like field trips and guest visitors
✅ Help with snacks, projects, and keeping the space welcoming and organized
✅ Interact positively with kids, staff, and families

We encourage high school students to apply!

Click here to learn more!