The East Helena School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to sign a one-year contract for natural gas with Commercial Energy out of Cutbank at a meeting Monday night at East Valley Middle School.

Superintendent Ron Whitmoyer said NorthWestern Energy, the company currently supplying natural gas to the district, is expecting a 15 percent rate increase, which prompted him to seek other sources. The district paid an average of $7.48 per dekatherm of gas last year to NorthWestern. Commercial Energy offered a one-year agreement at a fixed cost of $6.93 per dekatherm.

"I like the idea of being able to calculate a budget to see where we stand," Chairwoman Ann Marie Thompson said.

Whitmoyer assured trustees the district could return as a customer to NorthWestern Energy after the new contract is fulfilled.

Trustees also discussed the increase in enrollment, up this year to 1121 students, or about 45 more students than a year ago, Whitmoyer said. "When we hit 1,200 students, it's time to start thinking about another school," he added.

The board agreed to purchase a new 2008 Bluebird bus for $121,000, replacing one that has become too expensive to continue to repair.

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com