Monforton School District Election 2025

The 2025 school election season is underway. This webpage is designed to provide you with information about the ballot measures you’ll see in the upcoming election on May 6. We encourage all Monforton School District voters to take time to learn about the proposals and participate in this important process.

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on April 17, 2025. Completed ballots may be returned by mail or dropped off in person at the Gallatin County Election Office. Please be sure to allow enough time for your ballot to be received before the May 6, 2025 deadline.

If you have any questions or need additional information about the election or ballot measures, we welcome your call or email.

Thank you for your continued support of Monforton students, staff, and schools.

Sincerely,
Laura Axtman, Superintendent
laxtman@monfortonschool.org | 406-586-1557

Kris Ortmeier, Business Manager
kortmeier@monfortonschool.org | 406-586-1557

• April 17, 2025 – Ballots mailed by County Election Office.

• May 6, 2025 – Election Day – Ballots due by 8:00 pm.

Ballots may be returned to:

• Please Note: Monforton School is not a drop off this year

Location: County Election Office

311 West Main, Room 210

Office Hours: Monday – Friday  8:00am–5:00pm

Election Day Hours: 8:00am–8:00pm

Ballots may be returned in person or by mail (73 cents or Forever stamp). Please allow enough time for delivery by the May 6, 2025 deadline.

What does a General Fund Levy support?

A school district’s general fund budget is determined by a funding formula set by Montana state law. This formula is primarily based on student enrollment from the previous school year. The formula establishes both the minimum and maximum budget a district can adopt, and outlines how much of any budget increase must be approved by local voters.

It’s important to note that increases in local property values do not automatically increase a school district’s general fund budget. The state formula — not rising property values — controls school funding limits.

At Monforton School District, general fund levies provide essential funding for day-to-day operations, including:

• Staff salaries and benefits

• Educational programs and student support services

• Utilities and building maintenance

• Insurance

• Classroom supplies

• Curriculum updates

• Instructional materials and resources

These levies help ensure we can continue providing high-quality learning environments for all Monforton students.

What does a Building Reserve Fund support?

On May 6, 2025, voters in the Monforton School District will be asked to consider the renewal of the district’s Building Reserve Levy. This request is not for new taxes — it is a continuation of an existing levy that is set to expire.

Building Reserve Levy funds are used to maintain and protect the community’s investment in school facilities. These dollars help address ongoing building needs such as:

•  maintenance

• safety upgrades

• repairs 

This levy replaces a levy that is expiring. 

Monforton takes pride in our beautiful campus. 

This renewal of this levy would help us maintain our facilities. Ensuring that our students continue to learn in safe, well-maintained environments.

Our current building reserve levy helps us to maintain the following campus buildings and facilities. 

Property taxes in Montana are based on a property’s taxable value, not its market value. The market value is the estimated price your property would sell for, while the taxable value is the portion of that value used to calculate your property taxes after applying state tax rates and exemptions.

To estimate how the proposed levy might impact your taxes — or to learn more about how market value and taxable value work click the button above to connect to the Gallatin County website.

If you have questions about the levy or how to estimate your specific tax impact, please contact us — we are happy to help!

Kris Ortmeier, Business Manager
kortmeier@monfortonschool.org | 406-586-1557