GFPS board approves lease to finance scoreboards project, appoints new leadership

July 14, 2026 - 06:49

The Great Falls Public Schools board has approved a five-year lease agreement to fund a district-wide scoreboard replacement project, opting for a financing model that spreads costs over time rather than requiring a large upfront payment. The decision came during a regular board meeting where members also voted to appoint new leadership positions for the coming year.

Under the approved lease, the district will make annual payments for the scoreboards, which are slated for installation at multiple high school athletic facilities. Board members discussed the financial strategy at length, noting that spreading payments across five years allows the district to manage its capital budget without depleting reserves or delaying other maintenance projects. The total cost of the project was not immediately disclosed, but officials emphasized that the lease structure avoids interest penalties typically associated with short-term borrowing.

In addition to the scoreboard financing, the board elected a new chair and vice chair for the upcoming term. The leadership change comes as the district continues to navigate enrollment shifts and facility upgrades. The new chair, a longtime board member, outlined priorities including transparency in budgeting and completing long-deferred repairs at aging school buildings.

The scoreboard project is expected to begin in late spring, with installation timelines dependent on weather and contractor availability. District officials said the new digital displays will improve game-day operations and reduce maintenance costs compared to the current manual boards, some of which are over 20 years old.