Missoula schools report levy wins but warn of declining enrollment and funding gaps

Superintendent Micah Hill described the fiscal picture and enrollment trends for Missoula County Public Schools in remarks at the State of Missoula.

Hill announced that the district’s elementary and high‑school levies passed and said the district serves around 9,300 students. He outlined the budget: approximately $49 million for elementary operations, $40 million for high schools (about $90 million combined), and roughly $120 million when federal and other funds are included. He said about 90% of the district’s spending goes to salary and benefits and that special education is the largest single expenditure at about $17 million.

Hill highlighted progress on pay: starting teacher pay is now $50,100 (up from $40,000 two years ago) and the district's top teacher salary is about $90,000. He also noted ongoing cost pressures: teachers' lifetime earnings remain below many peer districts and Missoula ranks below average on per‑pupil spending in the state.

Enrollment trends were a central focus. Hill said the district has lost roughly 560 K–5 students since 2020 — more than the size of the district's largest elementary school — and that kindergarten enrollment has fallen from nearly 700 in 2020 to about 450. He warned that declining enrollment reduces formula‑based revenue while fixed costs persist.

Hill also described work‑based learning and employer partnerships that place students in in‑school and external placements and noted relatively strong student achievement in several statewide comparisons despite constrained resources.

Why it matters: Enrollment and funding trends shape staffing, program budgets and capital planning; levy passage provides short‑term relief but long‑term revenue will track demographic trends and state funding formulas.

What’s next: Hill and district leaders will continue to monitor enrollments and advocate for funding, while expanding career pathways and partnerships with local employers.