Butte Elem

Butte Elem is a town-based school district in Silver Bow County, Montana, serving 2,966 students across 7 schools consisting of 6 elementary and 1 middle school. The district experienced minimal enrollment movement with a 0.1% increase from the prior year, indicating enrollment stability. With 189 teachers, the district maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.7:1, which aligns with typical school configurations.

The district operates on a total budget of $36.9 million with per-pupil spending of $6,117, significantly below the state average of $11,207. This substantial gap of approximately $5,090 per student represents a notable funding disparity relative to state levels. Revenue composition shows the district relies on state funding for 45.8% of its budget, local sources for 39.0%, and federal funding for 15.2%. The relatively balanced distribution between state and local funding sources suggests moderate community tax base support alongside state appropriations.

The district's configuration of six elementary schools and one middle school reflects a traditional K-8 structure typical of smaller Montana communities. The funding differential compared to state averages warrants examination of whether this reflects cost-of-living variations, property tax base differences, or other resource allocation factors within the state's funding formula.