The fate of the Bitterroot College District after the May 5, 2020 election is anything but clear as the voters approved the formation of the district by a heavy margin but turned around and declined to approve the levy that would fund it. Both of the closely related issues were placed on the ballot separately and the voters approved the formation of the college district by a vote of 6,280 (58.53%) in favor to 4,450 (41.47%) against. A set of board members was also elected. At the same time voters rejected the levy to support the college by a vote of 5,871(53.03%) against the levy and 5,200 (46.97%) in favor.
The top seven out of eleven candidates for the seven seats available on the Bitterroot College Board included Janet Woodburn, 4,349 (10.58%); Ran Pigman, 4,144 (10.05%); Don Gardner, 4,067 (9.87%); Gary Carlson, 3,856 (9.35%); Sue Smith, 3,796 (9.21%); Linda Doughty, 3,658 (8.87%); and Marci Smith, 3,618 (8.78%). Other candidates included: Candy Lubansky 3,540 (8.59%); Robert Fiefield, 3,357 (8.14%); Brittny Leatham-Olney, 3,183 (7.72%); and Judith Mott, 3,141 (7.62%).
The voters approved the formation of a college district back in 2017 but the legislature’s approval, which is also required by law, was not forthcoming. Local State Representative David Bedey said that it appeared to lose support because some legislators thought the public was not adequately informed that a levy would be required to support the district. Instead, the legislature authorized the college as a part of the University of Montana system through which it currently receives its funding from within the University’s budget.
Bedey said he worked hard to get the issues of the district and the levy combined for a vote but found it was not possible under the law so two separate issues were placed on the ballot. He called the situation “unfortunate” that the issues were split and that they were not both approved.
According to Bedey, under current law there is no provision for funding a newly formed college district; it is all about developing and funding existing districts. He said there is some discussion and provision for establishing districts but nothing about funding them. He said he is currently participating on a sub-committee that’s working on cleaning up college district laws. He said if he gets sent back to the legislature he will be advocating approval of the community college district. He said once that happens the trustees-elect will become empowered and they can begin the process of establishing some funding mechanisms for the district.
“I am hopeful that the Bitterroot College can continue to operate as a branch campus until we have a chance to work these things out,” said Bedey. “I think it’s important to keep the Bitterroot College alive as an entity until a community college can be stood up.”
“Hopefully we can pull together some form of legislation that will give the new trustees the tools they need to go forward with budgeting and have a path to move forward to funding and figuring how the levies will be established.”
Victoria Clark, Director of the Bitterroot College University of Montana, did not return a phone call looking for comment.
The Ravalli County Workforce Alliance, a group working to establish the college district, issued a statement saying they are “thrilled that the community voted solidly in favor of organizing a community college district in the Bitterroot Valley.”
“RCWA will work with the new Trustees Elect to take the organization vote forward for legislative approval in the 2021 Legislative Session. While the levy portion of the vote didn’t pass, we know the COVID-19 pandemic has created difficult times for many. The levy not passing does not prevent the organization of the new district; a levy vote can be revisited at another time at the discretion of the seated Trustees. RCWA is currently connecting with the Trustees Elect to schedule conversations for moving forward. RCWA is extremely grateful to the community for supporting the establishment of a locally controlled community college which will be able to serve the workforce needs of the Bitterroot Valley.”