Please join us for an important meeting on March 19 at 6:00pm in the Eureka Middle School Library about the upcoming bond election on May 5. We will be discussing construction plans, costs, tax impact, and any other questions you may have. We will have computers set up and we will help you determine your exact tax impact of this bond. Get informed on this crucial decision on the future of our school buildings. We will record the meeting, and will hold another community meeting on April 14. Can’t make these, please feel free to contact Joel Graves at jgraves@teamerueka.net, or visit him at your convenience at school. He is also available every Thursday from 11:45-1:00 at the “Soup with the Sup” at Von’s Cafe. Thank you!
Today March 26 there will be a parent meeting for the junior high and elementary school parents to discuss the school bond. We will have 2 meetings, one at 8:30am at Timbers Event Center (above town pump and the ambulance barn), and one at 6:00pm in the Eureka Elementary gym (following math night). If you want to hear more information about the bond, please consider coming. We will have another community meeting on April 14. We will be able to help you determine your actual tax impact on this bond at the meetings. Lion Pride is Community Wide! Thank you!
Superintendent’s Corner: Maintaining Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
Over the past several months, I’ve heard a number of questions about whether Eureka Public Schools has been investing enough in caring for our facilities. This is an important conversation because our buildings are the physical foundation for our students’ success. We’ve been diligent stewards of our schools, but we’ve also reached a point where continuing to patch aging structures is no longer cost‑effective. Let me explain why.
Our Track Record
Since July 2017, the district has spent roughly $1.29 million on maintenance supplies and services. More than $826,000 of that went toward custodial and maintenance supplies—cleaning products, HVAC filters, replacement parts and other necessities. Another $441,000 was invested in repair and maintenance services such as heating, plumbing and groundskeeping. These figures reflect net spending after credits and refunds across multiple maintenance funds.
We have also completed significant projects using one‑time federal dollars. Two years ago, we used ESSR funds to reroof the high school and replace the backup boilers at the middle school simultaneously—an investment of $1.4 million ($900,000 for the roof and $500,000 for the boilers). These projects were critical to ensure the safety and functionality of our buildings and were completed without increasing the local tax burden.
The Cost of Aging Buildings
Despite our diligent maintenance, the costs keep rising because the buildings themselves are aging. Many of our facilities were constructed decades ago. National data show that after 25 years, maintenance needs increase significantly, and they spike again past 40 years. Systems such as HVAC, roofing, plumbing and electrical wiring are simply reaching the end of their design life. That’s why repairs and supplies surged between 2018 and 2022—we were addressing major issues in these systems.
At some point, continually repairing old infrastructure becomes more expensive than replacement. Replacing the high school roof and the middle school backup boilers bought us time, but it didn’t stop the clock on the rest of those buildings. Every year, we will see more failures and higher costs unless we make a plan to rebuild or substantially renovate.
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that Eureka Public Schools has been caring for our facilities. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s also clear that we need to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive replacement. We must begin planning now for the next generation of school buildings—facilities that are energy‑efficient, safer and better suited to modern educational needs.
This doesn’t mean we will stop maintaining our current buildings; we must continue to keep them safe and operational until new facilities are ready. It does mean, however, that our community will have to consider the financial realities of replacing aging schools. Continuing to pour money into old systems year after year is neither sustainable nor fiscally responsible.
We will maintain our commitment to transparency as we move forward. We have shared assessments of our facilities, outlined options for renovation or replacement, and engaged the community in discussions about how best to invest in our students’ future. It’s now time for us to work together to ensure that the next chapter of Eureka’s story is written in schools that serve our children well for decades to come.
Joel Graves
Superintendent
Over the past several months, I’ve heard a number of questions about whether Eureka Public Schools has been investing enough in caring for our facilities. This is an important conversation because our buildings are the physical foundation for our students’ success. We’ve been diligent stewards of our schools, but we’ve also reached a point where continuing to patch aging structures is no longer cost‑effective. Let me explain why.
Our Track Record
Since July 2017, the district has spent roughly $1.29 million on maintenance supplies and services. More than $826,000 of that went toward custodial and maintenance supplies—cleaning products, HVAC filters, replacement parts and other necessities. Another $441,000 was invested in repair and maintenance services such as heating, plumbing and groundskeeping. These figures reflect net spending after credits and refunds across multiple maintenance funds.
We have also completed significant projects using one‑time federal dollars. Two years ago, we used ESSR funds to reroof the high school and replace the backup boilers at the middle school simultaneously—an investment of $1.4 million ($900,000 for the roof and $500,000 for the boilers). These projects were critical to ensure the safety and functionality of our buildings and were completed without increasing the local tax burden.
The Cost of Aging Buildings
Despite our diligent maintenance, the costs keep rising because the buildings themselves are aging. Many of our facilities were constructed decades ago. National data show that after 25 years, maintenance needs increase significantly, and they spike again past 40 years. Systems such as HVAC, roofing, plumbing and electrical wiring are simply reaching the end of their design life. That’s why repairs and supplies surged between 2018 and 2022—we were addressing major issues in these systems.
At some point, continually repairing old infrastructure becomes more expensive than replacement. Replacing the high school roof and the middle school backup boilers bought us time, but it didn’t stop the clock on the rest of those buildings. Every year, we will see more failures and higher costs unless we make a plan to rebuild or substantially renovate.
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that Eureka Public Schools has been caring for our facilities. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s also clear that we need to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive replacement. We must begin planning now for the next generation of school buildings—facilities that are energy‑efficient, safer and better suited to modern educational needs.
This doesn’t mean we will stop maintaining our current buildings; we must continue to keep them safe and operational until new facilities are ready. It does mean, however, that our community will have to consider the financial realities of replacing aging schools. Continuing to pour money into old systems year after year is neither sustainable nor fiscally responsible.
We will maintain our commitment to transparency as we move forward. We have shared assessments of our facilities, outlined options for renovation or replacement, and engaged the community in discussions about how best to invest in our students’ future. It’s now time for us to work together to ensure that the next chapter of Eureka’s story is written in schools that serve our children well for decades to come.
Joel Graves
Superintendent
Our National Honor Society just returned from their annual trip. This year they traveled to Calgary and Banff. They made many memories, including going to a STEM Museum, a Calgary Flames Hockey Game, and skiing at Mt. Norquay, They had a blast! The students fund-raised the entire trip. Thank you for all those who supported NHS this year.
Eureka Public Schools want to extend a huge THANK YOU to Big Sky Tire & Auto and TNT Auto Parts for providing free oil changes for our school staff! Big Sky provided labor and oil, and TNT provided the oil filters! We truly appreciate your continued commitment to our school and community.
Superintendent’s Corner: Investing in Our Schools, Investing in Our Community
As we continue conversations about the upcoming school bond election, I want to take a moment to talk about something that often gets overlooked—the local economic impact of a project like this.
When we discuss building a new school, it’s easy to focus only on the cost. But what’s equally important is understanding how those dollars circulate right here in our community.
A project of this size—approximately $22.5 million—does not simply disappear into concrete and steel. A significant portion of those funds will be spent locally, creating a ripple effect that benefits Eureka and the surrounding area in very real ways.
First, there is the direct impact of construction. While a general contractor will oversee the project, much of the actual work is completed by subcontractors. Historically, projects like this utilize a mix of regional and local subcontractors—electricians, plumbers, excavation crews, concrete workers, and suppliers. Whenever possible, local businesses are able to bid and participate, keeping those dollars close to home.
Second, there is the impact of the workforce itself. A project of this magnitude will bring workers into our community over an extended period of time—often 12 to 18 months. Those workers need places to stay. They eat in our restaurants. They shop in our stores. They fuel their vehicles here. That steady influx of people creates consistent business for local hotels, cafes, grocery stores, and service providers.
Even for those who commute from nearby areas, there is still a daily economic footprint—coffee in the morning, lunch in town, supplies purchased locally. Over time, those small, daily expenditures add up in a meaningful way.
Third, there is the long-term impact. Quality school facilities are one of the strongest factors in maintaining and growing a community. They support property values, attract families, and help local businesses recruit and retain employees. When families consider moving to an area, the condition of the school is often one of the first things they evaluate.
Strong schools help sustain a strong local economy.
It’s also important to note that this investment does not just serve today’s students—it positions our community for the next 50 years. Just as those before us invested in the facilities we use today, we now have the opportunity to make a forward-looking decision that benefits both our students and our local economy.
In short, this bond is not just a school project—it is a community investment.
As always, I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming community meetings, visit with us during “Soup with the Supe,” or reach out with any questions. These are important conversations, and we want to make sure everyone has the information they need.
Together, we can make a thoughtful decision that supports both our schools and the future of Eureka.
—Joel Graves
Superintendent, Eureka Public Schools
As we continue conversations about the upcoming school bond election, I want to take a moment to talk about something that often gets overlooked—the local economic impact of a project like this.
When we discuss building a new school, it’s easy to focus only on the cost. But what’s equally important is understanding how those dollars circulate right here in our community.
A project of this size—approximately $22.5 million—does not simply disappear into concrete and steel. A significant portion of those funds will be spent locally, creating a ripple effect that benefits Eureka and the surrounding area in very real ways.
First, there is the direct impact of construction. While a general contractor will oversee the project, much of the actual work is completed by subcontractors. Historically, projects like this utilize a mix of regional and local subcontractors—electricians, plumbers, excavation crews, concrete workers, and suppliers. Whenever possible, local businesses are able to bid and participate, keeping those dollars close to home.
Second, there is the impact of the workforce itself. A project of this magnitude will bring workers into our community over an extended period of time—often 12 to 18 months. Those workers need places to stay. They eat in our restaurants. They shop in our stores. They fuel their vehicles here. That steady influx of people creates consistent business for local hotels, cafes, grocery stores, and service providers.
Even for those who commute from nearby areas, there is still a daily economic footprint—coffee in the morning, lunch in town, supplies purchased locally. Over time, those small, daily expenditures add up in a meaningful way.
Third, there is the long-term impact. Quality school facilities are one of the strongest factors in maintaining and growing a community. They support property values, attract families, and help local businesses recruit and retain employees. When families consider moving to an area, the condition of the school is often one of the first things they evaluate.
Strong schools help sustain a strong local economy.
It’s also important to note that this investment does not just serve today’s students—it positions our community for the next 50 years. Just as those before us invested in the facilities we use today, we now have the opportunity to make a forward-looking decision that benefits both our students and our local economy.
In short, this bond is not just a school project—it is a community investment.
As always, I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming community meetings, visit with us during “Soup with the Supe,” or reach out with any questions. These are important conversations, and we want to make sure everyone has the information they need.
Together, we can make a thoughtful decision that supports both our schools and the future of Eureka.
—Joel Graves
Superintendent, Eureka Public Schools
Notice of Trustee Election Cancellations for Eureka Elementary & Lincoln County High School and Fortine Seat Positions.
Regular School Board Meeting Notice for Wednesday March 18 at 6:00pm in the LCHS Library.
Superintendent’s Corner — Informing Our Community About the May 5th Bond Election
Eureka Public Schools has officially entered the next phase of planning as we move toward the May 5th mail-in bond election. With that decision made, our focus now is on providing clear, transparent information so that taxpayers can understand exactly what is being proposed and how public dollars would be used.
As superintendent, I believe strongly that our responsibility goes beyond educating today’s students — it also includes being careful stewards of taxpayer resources and planning wisely for the long term. The goal of this bond proposal is to create facilities that will serve our community for decades while reducing long-term maintenance challenges and improving efficiency.
Over the next several weeks, we will be holding multiple opportunities for community members to learn more, ask questions, and review the details of the proposal.
Community Information Meetings
These meetings are open to everyone and are intended to provide straightforward information about the project scope, costs, and long-term planning:
March 19th — 6:00 PM Eureka Middle School Library. April 14th — 6:00 PM Eureka Middle School Library
We know there are strong opinions in our community, and that is healthy. Our commitment is to provide facts and answer questions so each voter can make an informed decision.
“Soup with the Sup” — Ask Questions Directly
Beginning Thursday, March 5th, I will be hosting an informal weekly lunch opportunity called “Soup with the Sup.”
Every Thursday 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM Back room of Von’s Café, across from the middle school
This is simply a chance to sit down, have a conversation, and ask questions one-on-one. Whether you support the bond, have concerns, or just want more information, I welcome the discussion. I will remain available as long as needed if there is a crowd or ongoing conversation.
Community Outreach
Members of our Facilities Committee will also be attending various community gatherings and meetings to share information and help ensure residents understand what is being proposed before ballots arrive.
I understand that any bond proposal represents a significant decision for taxpayers. That is why transparency, communication, and accessibility are so important during this process. Our goal is not just to ask for support — it is to make sure every member of our community has the information needed to decide what they believe is best for Eureka’s future.
I encourage you to attend a meeting, stop by for lunch, or reach out with questions. The more informed we are as a community, the stronger our decision will be.
Thank you for your continued support of Eureka Public Schools.
Joel Graves Superintendent, Eureka Public Schools
Eureka Public Schools has officially entered the next phase of planning as we move toward the May 5th mail-in bond election. With that decision made, our focus now is on providing clear, transparent information so that taxpayers can understand exactly what is being proposed and how public dollars would be used.
As superintendent, I believe strongly that our responsibility goes beyond educating today’s students — it also includes being careful stewards of taxpayer resources and planning wisely for the long term. The goal of this bond proposal is to create facilities that will serve our community for decades while reducing long-term maintenance challenges and improving efficiency.
Over the next several weeks, we will be holding multiple opportunities for community members to learn more, ask questions, and review the details of the proposal.
Community Information Meetings
These meetings are open to everyone and are intended to provide straightforward information about the project scope, costs, and long-term planning:
March 19th — 6:00 PM Eureka Middle School Library. April 14th — 6:00 PM Eureka Middle School Library
We know there are strong opinions in our community, and that is healthy. Our commitment is to provide facts and answer questions so each voter can make an informed decision.
“Soup with the Sup” — Ask Questions Directly
Beginning Thursday, March 5th, I will be hosting an informal weekly lunch opportunity called “Soup with the Sup.”
Every Thursday 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM Back room of Von’s Café, across from the middle school
This is simply a chance to sit down, have a conversation, and ask questions one-on-one. Whether you support the bond, have concerns, or just want more information, I welcome the discussion. I will remain available as long as needed if there is a crowd or ongoing conversation.
Community Outreach
Members of our Facilities Committee will also be attending various community gatherings and meetings to share information and help ensure residents understand what is being proposed before ballots arrive.
I understand that any bond proposal represents a significant decision for taxpayers. That is why transparency, communication, and accessibility are so important during this process. Our goal is not just to ask for support — it is to make sure every member of our community has the information needed to decide what they believe is best for Eureka’s future.
I encourage you to attend a meeting, stop by for lunch, or reach out with questions. The more informed we are as a community, the stronger our decision will be.
Thank you for your continued support of Eureka Public Schools.
Joel Graves Superintendent, Eureka Public Schools
Eureka Public Schools is accepting applications for a full time Special Education Teacher for next school year. District Applications and job descriptions are available on the district website www.lchigh.net or at the Central Office, LCHS 340 9th Street, Eureka, MT 59917, 406-297-5650, or by email. Please contact Amy at ayarus@teameureka.net. Eureka Public School District #13 is an E.O.E. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
7th Grade Indoor Gardening Group Event
There will be a facilities meeting on February 26 at 12:00pm in the The Den Conference Room.
Several of our LCHS welding students recently became certified with several welds. Great job to these welding students: 1G flat position-Stick ~ Michael V, Wyatt W, Quinn P, Joe S, Brian A, Brandon C, Kage B, Carl H, Jared A, Wyatt J, Travis L, Grant B, Gabby W. TIG Root 7018 flat position-TIG/STICK ~ Hunter G, Preston H. Students will be able to use these certifications in real-world jobs! Way to GO!
Congratulations to Anna S for winning the Spelling Bee for grades 4-8. Brooklyn B was the runner-up. These 2 as well as Abigail A, Vivi F, Aislynn G, EliMae M, Crew M, Zoey M, & Gavin P will be moving on to the county bee on Feb 19 in Libby. Great job and good luck!
School Board Notice for monthly meeting on Monday February 9 at 6:00pm
We often get people asking about ASL Classes. The Montana School of the Deaf and Blind is looking to offer regional classes. If you are interested in learning, please complete their survey. You can click on the qr code on the graphic, or click on this link to complete the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPzFJ_Jx-K82htaVOc-2l9PsSz4GYsTkBTYNuko4VcVgXPmA/viewform Thank you!
School Facilities Meeting on January 20 at 12:00pm in the Den Conference Room.
