Leaders detail school projects at luncheon

The Daily Inter Lake

Nearly $67 million in school construction will be in the limelight at Tuesday's Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

But local education leaders will carry their audience members past the brick and mortar and into the curriculum and programs that school construction will enhance.

The luncheon is from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel.

School District 5 Superintendent Darlene Schottle and Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas will present overviews of building projects.

Major building projects are under way or planned at the new Glacier High School, Flathead High School, Kalispell Junior High and FVCC.

Three years ago, the community approved $15.8 million for college expansion. A lawsuit which delayed the building project has been resolved and groundbreaking is planned this fall.

The first of three buildings will be completed by August 2006, with the final one finished the following May.

Last November, School District 5 voters approved $39.8 million for a new high school and renovations at Flathead High, plus another $10.9 million to expand Kalispell Junior High and convert it to a middle school.

Construction has begun on the new high school and junior high. Renovations at Flathead High will start over the next year.

The administrators also will discuss their programs and curriculum, the new opportunities for collaboration between the college and high school, and how the community can take advantage of the offerings.

Tickets to the luncheon and program are $12 each or $90 per reserved table of eight. Pay in advance at the Chamber of Commerce office or at the door on Tuesday.

For reservations, call 758-2800 or e-mail info@kalispellchamber.com