Board expels student from Flathead High

Kalispell Public Schools trustees voted Tuesday night to expel a 14-year-old student allegedly found in possession of dangerous drugs at Flathead High School on Jan. 29.

Superintendent Mark Flatau said the boy was expelled for the remainder of the school year.

“They could proceed with a re-enrollment and conference meeting next year,” Flatau said.

Flatau said school board members followed his recommendation in the expulsion, but only after questioning the student. Flatau said that during expulsion hearings, board members often try to give students advice on how to keep their lives moving forward in a positive trajectory, despite mistakes that have been made.

“We offer online and correspondence courses that students can take so they don’t continue to fall behind,” Flatau said.

The 14-year-old student is facing a felony count of possession of dangerous drugs. His case is linked to an incident the same day when a 16-yearold student was found with a gun at school.

The older youth is facing five misdemeanor counts: minor in possession of alcohol, possession of drug paraphernalia, unauthorized carry of a concealed weapon, unauthorized carry of a concealed weapon on school grounds and theft.

He remains jailed in Missoula County Detention Center. His bail is set at $35,000. Flatau said the school cannot deal with the 16-year-old’s enrollment until he has been released from custody.

“The other student involved is facing some serious charges from a law enforcement standpoint and we will wait and see how that rides out,” Flatau said.

The drugs were allegedly found in possession of the 14-year-old after the 16-year-old was asked if he had been drinking with any friends.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.