Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
The election will be administered by the Valley County Election Administrator and will be a mail-ballot election.
Ballots will be mailed out on Sept. 29 and must be returned by Oct. 17.
Tidbit 1
What will the proposed $8.58 Million Dollar Facility Improvements Bond include?
#1 – Replace the failed 80-year-old boiler at Glasgow High School to assure our students will have adequate heat in the winter months.
#2 – Extensively repair damaged roofs at Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School to assure that we can keep the inside of our buildings free from the outside elements and avoid partial or potentially complete structural collapse.
#3 – Replace the failing asphalt track with a Post-Tensioned Concrete All-Weather Track at Scottie Field to assure we can continue to hold annual regular season events and large postseason events for the community of Glasgow.
#4 – Replace the unsafe natural grass football field with Synthetic All-Weather Field Turf at Scottie Field to assure player and officials’ safety and turn the complex into a “Community Bowl” that can be used year-round by the youth and elderly of Valley County.
#5 – Replace the partially-failed incandescent lights with cost-effective LED light technology at Scottie Field to assure the facility can be used for school and community events in the evenings.
#6 – Fix the traffic circle in front of Irle Elementary School to alleviate student and parent concerns and make the area safer and more efficient during high-frequency travel times (AM drop off and PM pick up)
Tidbit 2
When would construction begin? What is the timeline for completion of each school bond project?
Boiler installation is currently underway at Glasgow High School, under an emergency loan, and is expected to be completed before this winter hits!
Crews would begin Scottie Field renovations as early as May 23, 2024. The turf field would be ready for our first Home Football game on Friday Sept 6, 2024. The Track would be completed before the snow flies and it would be ready for the Scottie Invitational on Friday April 4, 2025. Fall and spring athletes would NOT miss a season on the home facility.
Both the GHS and GMS roof repairs would be completed in the spring/summer of 2024 and be ready for students the first day of school on Monday Aug. 26, 2024.
With the available funding; architectural work on the Irle School traffic circle would begin in the winter of 2024-25 with a goal of beginning construction in June of 2025.
Tidbit 3
How old is Scottie Field? When was it last updated?
Construction began in 1976; but funding was an issue and slowed its overall process to a virtual standstill. In 1978, the Glasgow Sports Club, accepted the challenge to sponsor the project and assist the district in its completion.
The dream was not realized, however, until the grandstands were erected when a Bond Levy was passed by the voting public in the spring of 1982. On April 10, 1982 the Scottie Invitational Track Meet was the first event held in the new complex. By fall of 1982 the Scotties were playing football adjacent to Glasgow High School.
There have been NO updates made to the football playing surface other than routine maintenance and upkeep since its inception.
An asphalt base for the track at Scottie Field was completed on Sept. 1, 1981. There have been NO updates to the asphalt base of the track since its inception. The track has received two rubberized resurfaces in its lifespan; one on Oct. 10, 1990, and the other on Sept. 18, 2000. The only other repairs on record are a rubberized surface patching on Oct. 31, 1997, and a Re-Spray/Re-Stripe on Sept. 10, 2006.
Tidbit 4
How long have plans been in place to address the facility concerns listed in the upcoming school bond?
- For Scottie Field it was 12+ years ago, the spring of 2012, when planning began for a March 13, 2013, bond election to address a deteriorating athletic facility.
- For the boilers it was spring of 2023 when one of our two boilers at Glasgow High School failed while the weather was still cold.
- For the roofs it was spring of 2023 when the School District contracted with McKinstry to complete a facility needs assessment that produced alarming information about GHS and GMS.
Tidbit 5
How old are Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School?
Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School have both been serving the community for over a half a century and the bones of both buildings are holding up quite well, however, during a recent contracted facility assessment the Glasgow School District received alarming reports on the conditions of both roofs. It was recommended that both roofs undergo extensive renovations to prevent further deterioration, including any partial or complete structural collapse.
Glasgow High School is in its 55th school year. It opened in August of 1969.
Glasgow Middle School is in its 63rd school year. It opened in August of 1961.
Tidbit 6
How many school-related events are currently held annually on Scottie Field? Do we anticipate more opportunities with an UPDATED facility?
Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School use Scottie Field for many athletic events each school year to give our kids an opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd and to help stimulate the economy of Glasgow and Valley County. Based on a 10-year average; these are the school-related events currently being held on Scottie Field:
Football– 11 to 14 Games Per Year
Five Varsity Regular Season Games, One Annual Red and White Scrimmage, Four Junior Varsity Games, Four Middle School Games (including the three-school Jamboree), One or two Varsity Playoff Football Games; with potential for four playoff games in a given season.
Track & Field– 11 Meets Per Year
Four to five Regular Season HS Meets, One Regular Season MS Meets, two to four HS/MS Postseason Meets, one GHS Stuco Special Olympics Meet.
Yes! A new facility will allow us to keep the longest-running Top 10 Meet in the state in our community Glasgow! It will open up opportunities for further postseason dates in Track & Field and allow us the ability to pursue a Class C Football Pre-Season Showcase (like the one we host for Basketball in December). We would also bid on any potential neutral site 8 Man State Football Championship Games through the MHSA. Upcoming… Day 7’s Tidbit will highlight non-school related and other opportunities that will be possible with an artificial surface at Scottie Field.
Tidbit 7
What events/activities could be moved to Scottie Field if an artificial surface is installed?
–Glasgow Recreation Department Activities! Including Third to fourth Grade Flag Football, Fifth to Sixth grade Grade Tackle Football, Youth Soccer Leagues for ALL ages of Glasgow youth, and countless outdoor summer youth programs.
–Youth Baseball/Softball Practices! The 8U 11U and 14U Glasgow Softball Association leagues, T-Ball, Cal Ripken Minor League, Cal Ripken Major League, Babe Ruth, and the Glasgow Reds Legion Program would have a suitable place to practice when weather or field conditions are less than suitable.
–HOPE Annual Event! (formerly Northeast Montana Relay for Life). This long term event that used to be held at Scottie Field was moved due to concerns over field use and ultimately the event was never the same after moving locations. Is a revival possible?
–GHS Physical Education Classes / Sports Cross-Training! Our Grade’s 9-12 kids will see expanded education opportunities outside of the gymnasium as the game field would become usable in the fall and the spring while school is in session.
–HS Football Team Practice! We would be able to practice every day on our game field and eliminate the costs associated with maintaining the grass practice fields.
–Outdoor Entertainment Venue! Community Movie Nights, Fundraisers, Dances, Concerts, Weddings are possible.
–Community Bowl! Facility would be open 24/7-365 days a year for community use. Open gate policy on Scottie Field will continue and be enhanced for the youth, adult, and senior citizen population.
Tidbit 8
How much money has been raised? What happens to the funds that are already raised for the “Scottie Field Recharged” project if the bond is passed?
Currently there has been $40,200 cash raised for improvements at Scottie Field by valued community members and organizations. This total includes separate $10,000 donations from both Cottonwood Inn and Suites and the Galen & Karla Zerbe Foundation. The only funds used with the “Recharged” account so far have been for expenses related to the June Alive at 5 style community session at Scottie Field and the upcoming Informational Videos that will be released to the public this month! The Recharged Committee remains committed to rolling ALL remaining funds to paying down the tax burden on the community if the facilities bond is passed.
At this time, we would like to recognize the Glasgow Tourism Improvement District for their most recent $10,000 donation to the Scottie Field project. This is the official press release for this matter and the third donation of $10,000+ since the project was announced. Glasgow TBID is an organization that maintains its operational balance on the basis of a local “bed tax” by our local hotel/motels. The group specifically supports any and all efforts towards events and community projects that will help put “heads in beds.”
A fully operational Scottie Field is absolutely crucial to this initiative as over 20 annual events come to Glasgow each year with over 30 communities/schools involved; which directly benefits our retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels/motels!
Tidbit 9
What is the difference between a levy and a bond?
The easiest way to think about it is that Levies are for Learning and Bonds are for Buildings. The following was provided by our friends at Glendive Public Schools:
LEVIES = LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
(Library Books, Curriculum, Staffing, Building Operation & Maintenance, and Needed Improvements, etc.)
BONDS = BUILDINGS - MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
(New Buildings, Major Renovations, etc.)
LEVY–
A ballot measure asking voters to agree to a property tax to collect a set dollar amount for a specific number of years. They are used for operational costs and capital improvements. Local levies bridge the gap between state funding and the true costs of operating a school district. There are many different types of levies. Some examples include: General Fund, Building Reserve, Transportation, Tuition, Technology, etc.
REPLACEMENT LEVY–
A levy asking voters to replace an existing levy that is scheduled to expire.
BOND–
It is like a mortgage for the schools, except instead of borrowing from a bank, the district finances the cost of long-term projects through the municipal bond market. When placed before voters, the school district is asking for the authority to sell bonds and then pay the principal and interest on those bonds using money collected from property taxes. Bond proceeds are used to purchase or construct new buildings, renovate and modernize existing buildings, add or upgrade infrastructure systems, and purchase additional equipment. Bonds are used to finance the projects because the payments to the investors are made over a period of 12-30 years thus spreading the costs of the projects over a long period of time which reduces the annual impact on property taxes.
Tidbit 10
What would have the last "activity-based" bond paid for in 2013 and what is that cost difference today?
In March of 2013; the Glasgow School District had the opportunity to pass a secondary facilities bond in the amount of $2 million. That bond called for these same Scottie Field improvements. Including a NEW All-Weather Track, Artificial Football and Softball field. It also included full paving of the high school parking lot and the enclosure of the courtyard commons area at the front of Glasgow High School (surrounding the Scottie Dog statue). That bond 10 years ago failed with 41 percent out of the 2,082 voters voting in favor of the project.
Now in 2023; the amount is $5 million for a NEW All-Weather Track, Artificial Football field and LED field lighting. (58 percent of current proposed bond)
Due to the ever-rising cost of materials, labor, and equipment costs, overall inflation, this same project from 2013, not including a softball field, a paved parking lot, or an enclosed courtyard now comes with a price tag that is two and a half times higher. Punting these projects down the road will not save money and it becomes increasingly difficult to make it a reality. What does this cost become by 2025?
Tidbit 11
When was the last "activity-based" bond passed by Glasgow School District voters?
25 years ago! On Nov. 3, 1998, over 60 percent of 2,033 voters elected to support a school facilities bond that would largely see improvements to the school's athletic facilities. The bond was for $1.115 million and included:
-Construction of a brand new Weight Room
-Construction of Handicapped Gymnasium Bathrooms
-Replacing all the wooden bleachers in Scottie Gymnasium
-Renovating Scottie Gymnasium locker rooms from two to four to better accommodate tournament teams
-New lockers for all of GHS (locker rooms and main hallways)
-Rubberized resurfacing of the Track at Scottie Field
A project that surely highlights the crazy differences in cost inflation. What does this project cost today? This was very extensive and is similar to the project in front of our voters this fall.
Tidbit 12
Who would pay for the majority of this school bond through their property taxes?
This information is available to the general public. Over 45 percent of the yearly payment on this school bond would be paid for by the following Glasgow School District tax paying organizations/corporations (in order):
Northern Border Pipeline
BNSF Railway Company
Northwestern Energy- T&D
Northwestern Energy Corp.
Nemont Telephone Corp.
Montana Dakota Utilities - Gas Distribution
Montana Aviation Research Company
Cottonwood Inn Inc.
Norval Electric Cooperative Inc.
Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline
Tidbit 13
What would an approved school bond cost me per month as a tax-paying citizen?
$100,000 Home -- $4.88
If you own a home valued at this rate it would cost you the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of gasoline per month.
$200,00 Home -- $9.75
If you own a home valued at this rate it would cost you the equivalent of 2 small-sized (12 to 16 oz.) coffees per month.
$300,000 Home -- $14.63
If you own a home valued at this rate it would cost you the equivalent of one medium (single topping) pizza per month.
Are you a landowner, business owner, or do not fall into any of the above categories? Please use this tax calculator to determine your exavt tax impact for the upcoming school bond:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mKgyeRuorOhY1fsd19_3797rpVt57d9_yhXF3OdbiLQ/edit?usp=sharing
Tidbit 14
What are some of our current issues with the Track at Scottie Field?
1. A six foot-wide sinkhole has developed in Lane 1 on the straightaway. This has caused us to remove lane 1 from competition recently when hosting track meets. Complete structural collapse is imminent due to our drainage issues associated with the Football field. It is now creeping into Lane 2 in the same area.
2. The west runway (Triple/Long Jump) is now experiencing sagging and is displaying signs of complete failure.
3. Nearly 50 percent of our track's rubberized surface is now loose or deteriorating to the point of no repair. The cracking and loose sheets of rubber is a safety hazard.
4. The southeast and northeast corners of our track have large cracks that have developed over time. These cracks expand and contract depending on the temps and widen up to four inches at their peak. They are from the surface, though the asphalt underbelly, to the gravel base. The southeast corner has developed its own sinkhole, due to this cracking, and it's affecting all eight lanes during competition.
5. The East runway (Pole Vault) has experienced complete deterioration and is no longer viable. A portable runway has had to be used in order to limp this area along for competition.
Tidbit 15
Why is a post-tensioned Track beneficial?
--Durability in poor soil conditions! The concrete slab actually floats and performs independently due to constant cable compression.
--Resistance to cracking! The post-tensioned slab is kept in a constant state of compression, so it remains durable during weather fluctuations and extreme conditions (north east Montana)
--Improves drainage! Reduces water holding areas and provides a consistent slope allowing for a highly competitive surface.
--Makes use of existing sites! Reduces removal costs and potential unforeseen subgrade conditions.
Tidbit 16
What is the life expectancy of a post-tensioned concrete Track?
Benyon sports reports a life expectancy that could exceed 50 years! Post-tensioned concrete tracks are now commonly referred to as “lifetime” tracks in the athletic complex industry.
Introduced by the French in 1933, post-tensioned concrete has now been in use for over 90 years worldwide. It was introduced to United States construction in the 1950s. Bridges are currently being constructed with 100-year life expectancies, leaving those in Track construction with the belief that Tracks are also capable of lasting much longer than 50 years.
(PTC) tracks are expected to last a minimum of three times longer than asphalt tracks. Scottie Field is currently a deteriorating asphalt track.
Tidbit 17
Glasgow Schools offered a Public “Q&A” Session on Sept. 13 in the GHS Cafeteria with the Glasgow School District Board of Trustees. This session is available online: http://www.facebook.com/GlasgowHighSchoolScotties/videos/158558667292851/.
Glasgow Schools and the Scottie Field Recharged Committee are committed to transparency and making sure the public has firsthand knowledge of our failing facilities. This is the fourth “Community Session” since the Scottie Field Recharged project was announced.
1. Community Presentation and Q&A Session in the GHS Auditorium with Jared Petrino (Fieldturf) and Kris Koessl (A&E Design) - Thurs. April 13
2. Alive at 5 style. Free waterslides and kids carnival. Scottie Field Tours and Q&A sessions every 1/2 hour with AD Flaten - Wed. June 28th
3. Scottie Field and Boiler Tour + Q&A with 2 Board Chairmen and AD. Free game tickets for those in attendance. - Sat. Aug. 26
4. Q&A Session with GSD Board of Trustees - Wed. Sept. 13
Tidbit 18
Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital has just announced an incredible $250,000 donation towards our construction projects associated with the current proposed school bond. What does this mean?
FMDH is committed to a $250,000 donation that is tied only to the passage of the bond. If the bond passes then the announced $250k goes immediately towards paying down the tax debt; therefore lowering the tax request for the bond. If the bond fails, the $250,000 would be returned to FMDH and is not available for any improvements to Glasgow Schools facilities.
Combine this very generous $250,000 with our current $33,000 in donated funds and our current public tax request for these projects drops from 8.58 million to 8.297 million!
Tidbit 19
Did the Glasgow Middle School receive a new roof recently? Is it still under warranty?
No. The Glasgow Middle School roof has not had any major repairs in 40 years and there is no current warranty in place to cover the area of the roof where all the repairs are needed.
During the 1983 and 84 school years. $153,426 was spent during those two years of repairs. The same year as the second addition to the Middle School building.
Small repairs were also made to the GMS roof in 1993 ($5,280), 1995 ($6,800), and 1996 ($8,561) for shingling. Also, $118,110 in 2008 and 2009 school years and $36,995 in 2011 and 2012 school years for patching and repair.
Tidbit 20
Was the Glasgow High School roof recently repaired?
No. Glasgow High School has had zero roof repairs since 2011. That particular repair was a small patch job for $46,492.
The High School was built in 1969. The first small roof repair occurred in 1987 at the cost of $50,460. In 1993, there was a gym roof repair in the amount of $7,260.
The biggest roof repair in the district occurred in 2002 at GHS, with two repairs totaling $272,292, this is a different section than what is currently needing repaired. In 2009, there were two separate small repairs for a total of $75,640.
Tidbit 21
What are some of our current issues with the football playing surface at Scottie Field?
The football playing surface was first “crowned” in 1976 when construction began on the Scottie Field complex making it 47 years old.
By the mid-1990s Scottie Field began to show severe leveling issues, with dips and valley’s littered throughout its playing surface. It features multiple “crowns” and does not currently function as a safe playing surface for players, coaches, and officials. It is by any measure, one of the worst game fields in the state.
Underneath the surface needs to be completely revamped. Regardless of a shift to an artificial surface or a return to natural grass, we would need to start over from ground zero and address the underlying issues. Many of our issues currently plaguing Scottie Field (football playing surface and the heaving of the track) are related to an ineffective drainage system. We are dealing with sloping, a deterioration/breakdown of all materials associated with our hydration system, and the unforgiving climate that is the northeastern Montana tundra. All of the above is compounded by our current field location and its poor soil content.
Tidbit 22
Is artificial turf a safe alternative to natural grass?
Absolutely! Injuries associated with turf fields are the hot-button topic within mainstream media recently. Very few would deny that a PERFECT natural grass surface is oftentimes a preference of players and coaches alike. However, we do not currently have an adequate natural grass surface in Glasgow and maintaining a new safe natural grass surface throughout the Rocky Mountain region or the Dakotas would be far more difficult than maintaining a safe artificial playing surface.
Professional football teams (with field landscaping budgets that would exceed 1 million annually) still opt for artificial surfaces on half those 32 fields in the United States. Comparing high school athletes to professional players is the definition of comparing apples to oranges.
The safety of artificial turf trumps any natural grass surface; when those natural surfaces have clear deficiencies, such as an uneven playing surface, a field with drainage issues, an area with poor soil content, late season dead grass associated with a field’s overuse, and rock hard playing surfaces associated with the cold weather of the north. High schools, universities, and small communities throughout our region are opting in-mass for this change not because PERFECT natural grass isn’t a clear safe option, but because sub-optimal natural grass surfaces often become OUR normal.
For every “study” that is released about injuries related to artificial surfaces there are multiple comparable studies released showing no correlation.
Six different studies on proven safety are linked here from Field Turf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bQ0WByyqcFzL54xKqoVf8JnHrLPNTbdQ/view?usp=sharing
The most comprehensive study ever released. 1,447 different studies were screened and 67 full reports were evaluated for these findings:
Tidbit 23
What are some long-term cost saving measures associated with artificial turf?
-No more watering
-No more fertilizer
-No more mowing
-No more painting lines
-No more practice field maintenance. We CAN practice every day on the game field
-No more need to employ additional summer maintenance staff for Football grounds
Tidbit 24
What is the longevity of an artificial turf Football Field?
Laurel High School completed 14 seasons on their artificial playing surface before a recent “re-carpet”. Even at year 15, Fieldturf tested Laurel’s surface and deemed it meeting standards and safe for continued use. That was a surface with higher annual use than Glasgow’s. Laurel sits alongside a metro area in Montana and they sponsor Football and Boys and Girls Soccer as part of their school’s athletic offerings.
Both Laurel’s re-carpet and Glasgow High School’s proposed surface are a step up in quality and technology from Laurel’s original surface. 15+ years is attainable while following the company’s recommended regular maintenance schedule. If our field is tested and approved for 20 years of use, we intend to operate for 20 years.
The current cost of a re-carpet is only 10 percent of the cost of our proposed track and field bond project. Every re-carpet after the initial field cost will only further cost savings as there will be no need to address issues below the surface. Proper monetization on the sidelines of our proposed artificial turf and the scoreboard will allow us to annually earmark funds for a future re-carpet or rubberized track re-finish. This process may occur on average; every 15 years.
Tidbit 25
How common are artificial turfs in our region? Do other Eastern Montana communities have similar track and football facilities?
There are 26 artificial turf football fields in Montana and counting. All seven public/private universities will have the surface in 2024, 13 out of 16 Class AA schools play on turf, nine Class A’s, and four current Class B/C schools. 33 total schools play on artificial grass within our home state.
There are currently 27 artificial turf Football fields in our neighboring state of Wyoming; 26 of which are High School stadiums. 34 North Dakota schools play on 28 different turf Football fields; including Williston and Watford City both within 185 miles of Glasgow.
There are 30 college Football programs in our region (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota and South Dakota). With the recent announcements out of UM Western and Carroll College; all 30 of those college programs will now play on TURF beginning in the fall of 2024.
Baker and Red Lodge are schools in the Eastern B Division that have recently installed an all-weather rubberized Track and artificial Football Field. Glendive, Lockwood, and Laurel are members of the Eastern A Division that have recently installed an all-weather rubberized Track and artificial Football Field. In 2019, Sidney joined Glendive with their installation of a post-tensioned concrete track!
Tidbit 26
What is the story behind the replacement of the boiler at Glasgow High School?
We experienced boiler failure at GHS last winter, thankfully our secondary boiler was able to limp us through the remaining cold months and keep our staff and kids warm. At the time of failure; our boiler was only operating at 80 percent efficiency. The older boiler currently operating has a rated input of 6,275,000 BTUH’s with an output of 5,020,000 BTUH’s.
The NEW boiler will operate with a combustion efficiency of 96.4% and a thermal efficiency of 96.2 percent! A massive increase in performance and should greatly reduce our energy costs associated with operating the High School building.
The school district had to take out an emergency loan to pay for a new boiler that could be installed before this winter. If we did not move forward with the loan, we would have run the risk of our 2nd boiler, which is 54 years old, failing and our kids being displaced for their schooling. This important school district bond includes the repayment of a $560,000 loan associated with this essential boiler project.
Tidbit 27
The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture voices their support of the upcoming Glasgow School Bond
We’re fortunate to have one of the most active Chamber’s in the State of Montana. This group of individuals continues to go above and beyond in helping bring positive economic impact to Glasgow. Our Chamber’s annual events are a BIG part of life here in Northeast Montana.
The Glasgow School District’s annual slate of Athletic Events continues to be crucial in keeping many of our small town businesses thriving! We are proud to continually partner with the Glasgow Chamber on ALL postseason events within our community.
Tidbit 28
What is the current condition of the lights on Scottie Field? What will LED lights provide?
The lights on Scottie Field are original to the facility; meaning they are now well over 40 years old. Many advancements in technology have occurred over the last four decades. We currently operate with incandescent lights at a very high annual cost. Coaches and Administrative personnel have to carefully operate these lights when turning them on for any evening activities on the field or the track. Currently, turning on our lights without an extended period of time between each bank of lights, would incur a surcharge that exceeds $2,000+ each time. The district has had to carefully train staff to avoid any recurrences associated with these surcharges.
Our lights on Scottie Field are reviewed annually and replaced whenever possible. Unfortunately, many of our light fixtures are no longer viable and will not operate a new lightbulb upon repair. Over 25 percent of our current fixtures no longer take a light bulb. The condition of our lights have now begun to affect the field lighting and has resulted in dark “dead spots” during Friday night Football games. Our current lights were also designed for evening Football games and on-field activities only. They were not designed for twilight track meets or night time events on the track surface.
This proposed School Bond calls for NEW LED Lighting on Scottie Field. The new light bars will prove much more energy efficient and cost effective. They will not allow for any quality light to escape the field during evening events. The proposal calls for the removal of our current light fixtures and the recycling/reusing of our current steel light poles. Each LED Bar will be specifically engineered to our current poles and altered to match Scottie Field’s specific dimensions and layout. This will allow for total field coverage. Each light pole will also have an LED bar ½ way down the pole that is designed for lighting up the Track. This will allow us to hold Track meets after the sun goes down and give us flexibility for many other evening community events. The LED lights will be able to be operated from a computer or smartphone from anywhere at any time. They will be turned on or off as often and as quickly as possible without the worries of a steep surcharge.
Tidbit 29
How long has the community of Glasgow hosted the Top 10 Track Meet? Are we in danger of losing the event?
The Top 10 Track Meet began in the spring of 1983 under the legendary Scottie brain trust of Norm Girard, Mark Yoakam, and Bob Farrell. It was the first meet of its kind in the State of Montana and has since seen many spin-offs around the region. All of which replicate our exact format! It is a point of pride for this community and it was recently named/rededicated to one of its founders. It is now affectionately known as the Norm Girard Northeast Montana Top 10 Track Meet! It regularly features 30 schools throughout northern and eastern Montana; bringing teams from as far west as Havre and as far southeast as Baker. The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce estimates well over $25,000 in community revenue on that lone Tuesday afternoon/evening in smalltown Glasgow, Montana. Next spring marks our 42nd Annual. Simply incredible.
It is not hyperbole and our situation is indeed dire. The condition of our facility will undoubtedly dictate the future of our famed Top 10 Track Meet. Alternate meet locations have already been explored and discussions are underway. We do NOT want to lose this meet, among many other events, but we will not be able to faithfully stand in the way of newer facilities available in northeast Montana that will provide better student-athlete safety and better opportunities for success for all involved.
Tidbit 30
Would local contractors and products be used for work to complete proposed bond projects?
Yes! The Glasgow School District always prefers to work with our local workforce whenever possible. This has always been the case with previous projects, and will continue if the current proposed bond is passed by voters.
FieldTurf / Renner Sports averages between 35 and 50 completed athletic complexes per year. Their preferred method is working with local subcontractors to complete the work both professionally and efficiently. They will be working with local dirt work operators associated with improving the field drainage, leveling the playing surface, and creating a drain field. ALL local gravel, dirt, and concrete will need to be used for this extensive project, meaning this money $$$ ALL stays LOCAL. Including 5,833 square yards of concrete!
Local electrical companies will need to be used to upgrade our field lights to a Musco LED Lighting system and quotes from local contractors have already been acquired to upgrade the perimeter chain link fence that surrounds Scottie Field. Dale’s Plumbing and Heating is currently contracted to do the work for the new boiler at Glasgow High School and this project is well underway! We anticipate ample local opportunities for both the GHS and GMS roof projects and there will be bid-work associated with both locations. We are excited about the opportunity to work with companies who care about our community and our facilities.
Tidbit 31
An important part of any decision is to visit with people who have real experiences.
We are proud of each and everyone of our GHS alumni and we continue to follow them as they strive to meet their goals academically, athletically, and professionally upon graduation. Kyler Hallock was a two-sport standout for the Scotties and is a current college football player.
Tidbit 32
Does Glasgow High School charge an annual usage fee to other schools that benefit from Scottie Field and its amenities?
Yes! The Glasgow School District is proud to be the hub of northeast Montana and offer our small outlying communities the opportunity for better practice and competition facilities.
It is commonplace for GHS to enter into Scottie Field annual usage agreements with nearby schools such as: Hinsdale, Saco, Whitewater, and Nashua. With those schools and others alike, they often don’t have the opportunities to run on a consistent track surface or the ability to use quality Pole Vault pits, High Jump mats, and Long/Triple Jump runways on their own school grounds. By entering into a lease agreement with Glasgow Schools; their athletes are able to train accordingly and set themselves up for better success throughout the season and into postseason competition.
Saco/Whitewater and Hinsdale also operate annual regular season high school track meets at Scottie Field. Occasionally, Nashua High School will as well. Glasgow High School charges admission for these events and is able to keep the profits from these events to help with the maintenance costs associated with our current track and field facilities at Scottie Field.
Tidbit 33
HOMECOMING Friday. It is also the day that the School Bond ballots are scheduled to be mailed out. Such symmetry, Such importance. What an opportunity.
Homecoming is a right of passage in Glasgow, Montana. The Bonfire, the “Mad about Plaid” Dance, Coronation and the crowning of King & Queen, The volleyball game, and the home cross country meet.
Our Friday of Homecoming week may just as well be a national holiday in these parts. The Pipe Band, the Parade, a community tailgate party complete with a Scottie football game with lots of opportunities to fire that cannon! What has been a constant? What has been the setting for so many of our proud moments, and so many of our Homecoming memories? It’s a place where we’ve felt the pride of victory and the agonizing moments of defeat. That place is SCOTTIE FIELD.
One of our greatest gifts is the right to VOTE. In a few short days, your ballot will arrive. SCOTTIE PRIDE!!
We will be continuing with the “Daily Tidbits” for another 17 days and we encourage you to reach out directly to any Glasgow School Board of Trustee to answer any lingering questions you may have as you make a decision about the future of our Glasgow School facilities.
Tidbit 34
What does “amenities” refer to within the Scottie Field recharged portion of the Glasgow School Bond?
Many have asked if any maintenance equipment for the proposed turf field would be included in the cost of the project. The answer is yes. The proposal for the new track and field includes a Gator utility vehicle in order to operate a field groomer and a field sweeper. Both the sweeper and the groomer are essential to maintaining a field’s overall health and protecting the community’s financial investment in this facility.
Other planned “amenities” associated with this portion of the bond are the previously mentioned LED Light bars that will be retrofitted to our current electrical poles and the previously mentioned chain link fence to replace our current crumbling fence that surrounds the entire facility.
Finally, new goal posts will be purchased to replace our current crooked pipes and a modern scoreboard will be erected that will allow us to monetize through sponsorships. These sponsorships will be crucial and will be used for decades to come to directly fund any future re-carpets or new rubber track surface replacements!
Tidbit 35
Did you know that Scottie Field is currently a public use facility?
The gates to Scottie Field are always unlocked. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We encourage its everyday use! The All-Weather track is used morning and evening by many walkers and runners of all ages. The football field is used free of charge when it does not interrupt a school event or as our grass field conditions allow.
It is the Glasgow School District’s intent to expand public use even further if the School Bond is passed. By moving to an artificial surface it will encourage field usage to mirror that of the use of our current track. An active healthy community is one that we would like to help foster. Less “screen time,” more outdoors, and more exercise!
A true COMMUNITY BOWL is the dream. School, Community, Youth, Adult, Senior Citizen, Club Sports, and Recreation Department activities working together for the betterment of ALL.
Tidbit 36
How are school districts in Montana funded?
Funding for school districts is provided by a combination of federal, state and local taxes. Each funding source has many laws that govern how the money can be spent. Most of the money received from the federal and state governments goes into the General Fund, which is primarily used toward salaries and benefits (85 percent in Glasgow) and provide for students’ education. Taxes from local taxpayers are collected through a series of levies, including General Fund, Building Reserve, Transportation, Tuition, Technology, etc. Local levies are used to bridge the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to operate a school district.
When Glasgow passed the levy request in May 2023 the district was fully funded to the maximum budget authority that the state allows for the 23-24 school year. But as with the money collected from taxes, there are restrictions on how schools can spend the money from levies. Expenses for small building maintenance projects can be pulled from the general fund, but the state caps the General Fund to an amount based on enrollment. Neither the federal government nor the state provides any funds for the construction or maintenance of school buildings and facilities, so this funding must be provided through building reserve levies and bonds.
It is unfortunate that in Montana the burden for funding public schools, both education and facilities, falls on the taxpayer.
Tidbit 37
Why hasn’t the Glasgow School District saved money to use for building maintenance like we do in our own family?
By law, a district cannot carry over more than $10,000 or 10 percent of the upcoming school year adopted budget of the general fund (whichever is greater). Reserve limits have also been established for some of the other budgeted funds. No law forces a district to spend what is budgeted and raised through the various revenue sources.
However, the amount carried over from one fiscal year to another must offset local non-voted revenue, and the amount of fund balance that may be reappropriated is limited to 15 percent of the ensuing year’s maximum general fund budget. Any excess over the limit must be reverted to the state. The Glasgow School District budget is already used in its entirety to operate the district as it exists today, without adding any major renovation or construction expenses.
Tidbit 38
What is the benefit to me if I don’t have any children in school or my child doesn’t use the facilities being renovated?
Education is the foundation of a healthy community. The Glasgow School District is committed to developing the full potential of our students, building skills for lifelong learning and developing positive growth and confidence.
Roof repairs to two of the District’s older buildings will ensure that learning will not be disrupted by roof system failures, leaks or further damage to our facilities. Repairs to the track and field will ensure that the Scottie track and field will be available for use not only by students, but also by all the citizens of Glasgow, surrounding communities and the larger area of northeast Montana.
It is the hope of the District that improvements to our aging outdoor facilities will not only encourage participation in physical education classes as well as extra-curricular activities, helping to develop each of our students as a whole person: academically, socially and physically, but also encourage potential newcomers to move to a community that supports the complete education of our students.
Tidbit 39
What about the increase in taxable value of my home from the State of Montana?
2023 is a revaluation year with the state of Montana and many taxpayers have received notice of an increase of their home’s taxable value. Even if the taxable values for homes go up, everyone’s taxes for bonds would still be about the same because mills would go down.
For bond levies and mill levies, if the taxable values go up for homes due to revaluations (and the changes are proportionate) then mills go down so the net change is $0. With new construction (or changes to property tax law that move the tax burden from residential to other classes like utilities, pipelines, or railroads) then mills go down and taxes go down. This is because new construction makes the tax base pie larger and everyone benefits. Usually over the term of a bond issue taxes go down over time because new properties are added with new construction which makes everyone’s taxes for the bond go down.
Tidbit 40
What role has the Scottie Booster Club played in the bond promotion and Scottie Field Recharged project?
The Glasgow School District is fortunate to work with one of the very best Booster Club’s in the State of Montana. The group has very active leadership and an outstanding board of directors in place. They are financially sound in their decision-making and equally supportive of ALL activities, including athletics, cheer, pep band, music, and speech & drama. From the beginning, the Scottie Booster Club has financially supported the work of the Scottie Field Recharged Committee; which was originally a 16-person volunteer group formed in the summer of 2022.
The Booster Club paid $14,000 to A&E Design for the initial design work for a “recharged” Track and Field. They also faithfully covered the $7,000 cost related to the Geotechnical Survey of Scottie Field. Scottie Booster Club has continuously paid for ads in the media over the last 14 months; including Facebook, BS Buzz, and The Glasgow Courier. They also covered the FULL cost of expenses related to the bond promotional mailer that residents received a few weeks ago. All total, the Scottie Booster Club has already committed north of $25,000 towards this school bond project out of their “Capital Improvements” account.
They generously, and without question, provided this support to help complete the necessary preliminary work to obtain the costs related to the renovation project. The Glasgow School District has not used any District money in support of this project. At no time was the Scottie Booster Club asked to collect donations on behalf of the project nor did they volunteer to do so.
Tidbit 41
What are some cost-saving measures already put into place for the Scottie Field Recharged portion of the School Bond?
As mentioned, a Geotechnical survey was ordered last spring to assess the current drainage and ground issues associated with our current Scottie Field location. The company came in to perform five boring hole locations; each of them 10 to 12 feet in depth. The results of that Geo survey proved rather promising. We did hit water in the southeast corner (nearest the worst crack on our current asphalt track, but we avoided it in the other four boring locations). Yes we have our issues, as many locations in this area have, but the results provided us the ability to keep our preliminary project costs consistent. Alternatively, experts indicated to us that a poor Geo survey could have elevated our project costs as much as 1.5 million $$ beyond our current price tag.
The recharged committee also worked closely with FieldTurf / Renner Sports in exploring “building up” on top of our current Scottie Field footprint. This proved very successful! The company has assessed our current site and feels that we are a great candidate for this option. This allows the project to incur many cost-savings associated with the demolition of our current track, etc. Instead of the total demolition and removal there will instead be a 6” elevated lip on top of our current track. Students and the community will be able to access the community bowl (Track and Football Field) by walking up five percent grade ADA compliant ramps at both the North and South ends of the Scottie Field grandstands.
Finally, we also took cost saving seriously when negotiating the recycling of our current steel electrical poles. Our incandescent lights will be able to be safely removed from our current poles and the LED light bars will be able to be retrofitted to those same poles.
Tidbit 42
What are some MHSA postseason events that are currently held annually on Scottie Field?
In the fall, Scottie Football has the opportunity to earn playoff Football games each year based on regular season performance and their eventual postseason seed. For example, this year’s Northern B Football Champion has home field advantage throughout the MHSA Class B Playoffs, resulting in the possibility of four additional Home Football games with large crowds!
In the spring, our Glasgow Track & Field program hosts a large postseason event EVERY year. The Eastern C Divisional Track Meet is currently on a four-year rotation, meaning Glasgow gets this 14-school event every four years. Scottie Field traditionally plays host to the District 2B/3C combined meet every other year. The meet features 14 schools and is a 10-hour event that brings a TON of business to the Glasgow community. Glasgow has traditionally hosted the Northern B Divisional Track Meet every other year as well (on opposite years from the District rotation). Northern B is adding two schools this year, making it 13 schools from this point forward. As a result, for the first time ever, the Northern B Division voted to move to a two-day Divisional Meet! This is BIG news for potential host sites. Glasgow is scheduled to host the first ever two-day Northern B Divisional Meet this year on May 17th and 18th. This means ALL seven schools from visiting District 1B will be staying up to 2 consecutive nights in our Hotels. Visiting teams/fans will also be spending money at our gas stations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. resulting in massive amounts of $$ economic impact for our small community!
There seems to be a false sense of security about our current deteriorating facility and our school’s ability to keep hosting MHSA postseason Track & Field events moving forward. The truth of the matter is; Glasgow High School is only ONE vote. It will only take a simple majority to move our scheduled postseason events to another community if our facilities do not offer ALL schools the best opportunity to compete safely and effectively. We are at that point. This is decision time. Do we want these events in Glasgow or are we comfortable with all of them going away?
Tidbit 43
What percentage of the Glasgow School District’s Annual budget is spent on Sports?
Only 4.1 percent of the school district’s current annual budget is spent on Athletics. This includes coaches salaries, transportation, equipment, maintenance, etc. Non-athletics make up an additional eight percent. All total, K-12 Scottie Activities make up only 4.9 percent of the annual general operating budget.
All Student activities offered by the Glasgow School District are supplemented by the following: Scottie Booster Club, through event gate receipts and team/individual entry fees, activity ticket purchases, and from student participation fees.
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