4 14 26 Full Board Meeting

The Helena School District held a full board meeting on April 14, 2026, primarily focused on student recognitions, educational program updates, and ongoing capital improvement projects. The meeting featured extensive presentations on Science Olympiad achievements, speech and debate successes, and National Merit Finalists, highlighting student accomplishments and coaching efforts. Significant discussion centered on the district's capital projects, including detailed updates on the design and construction phases of new school buildings, renovations at Capital High School, the district kitchen, and the Helena High School PAL facility. The board reviewed project schedules, site plans, and community engagement efforts, emphasizing phased construction to minimize disruption. Procurement-related topics included contractor onboarding, structural steel and mechanical proposals, and equipment bidding timelines. The board also approved the addition of a girls flag football program as an emerging sport, noting compliance with Title IX and student interest surveys. Policy updates were addressed, including the adoption of a new policy on the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence in schools. Budget and levy discussions touched on funding allocations for technology and general operations, with ongoing efforts to communicate levy information to the public. The meeting concluded with committee reports on facilities, technology, teaching and learning, and health benefits, as well as upcoming meeting schedules.