For the first time in 18 years, the Kalispell High School Levy passes. With the highest voter turnout in recent history, 55.57% were “yes” votes.
The Kalispell School District put in an all-out effort, involving parents, district staff and teachers, and yes, students. Flathead and Glacier students formed “One Brave Pack,” walking the streets, knocking on doors, and telling their stories. Glacier High Student Jason Lee and Flathead High Student Bronson Willcuts appeared on the KGEZ Good Morning Show in support of the levy.
District Superintendent Matt Jensen, appearing on the KGEZ Good Morning Show, explains that when these levies fail repeatedly, inflation takes over and diminishes the funds available to the district incrementally. Failure of the levy would have had severe consequences for a district that has been cutting expenses wherever and whenever they could up to the point where, from here on, it would have been painful. On the KGEZ Good Morning Show, Jensen tells us they’d have needed to eliminate 21 full-time positions and make major cuts to the Ag-Center, sports, music and theater, and speech and debate.
Jensen and the School Board promise to continue implementing plans that maintain and enhance education offerings for all students.
