Ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year, Helena and East Helena school boards approved their budgets during meetings held Aug. 11 and 12.

East Helena's budget unanimously passed Monday night after a moderate discussion with other administrative staff in the crowd. In total, the East Helena Public Schools budget was approved at just over $20.5 million for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Helena Public Schools board OK'd a nearly $111.8 million districtwide budget.

Both districts will kick off their years on Aug. 27.

East Helena Public Schools

"In the general fund, there's not really any surprises. We talked about it last night and you guys anticipated where we were going to be with that," East Helena Public Schools Superintendent Dan Rispens said.

He highlighted bigger changes to the tra

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