Parents bring concerns over Deer Lodge school unification

Griffen Smith, of the Pathfinder | Oct 12, 20230

Griffen Smith, Pathfinder count

Powell County High School and Elementary Superintendent Rick Duncan speaks to parents and educators in the basement of Helmville School on Oct. 3

More than 40 parents, educators and citizens met Oct. 3 with the Powell County education officials in the basement of Helmville School to discuss concerns that taxes for the high school could rise in rural districts by combining the Deer Lodge Elementary and High School districts.

The Deer Lodge unification plan would combine Powell County High School with Elementary District #1, or Deer Lodge Elementary, to create one district. Joint superintendent Rick Duncan said would save costs and not impact the rural elementaries in the district.

The rural schools, including Helmville, Ovando, Avon, Gar...