New redistricting option surfaces

Kalispell Public Schools is zeroing in on how its elementary boundaries will look as it works through the redistricting process.

A new option was created based on public comments gathered from three community forums held in October. It is the fifth version of how elementary boundary lines could be redrawn.

“As I’ve said, there is not a perfect plan out there depending on the eye of the beholder, but we really worked to take into consideration all of the input, and we think this plan addresses many of the concerns that were raised,” Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau said during a school board meeting Nov. 14.

The school district is revising boundary lines in order to add Rankin Elementary, the district’s sixth elementary school currently under construction on Airport Road.

The district’s elementary schools also encompass Edgerton on Whitefish Stage Road; Elrod on Third Avenue West; Hedges on Fourth Avenue East; Peterson on Second Street West and Russell on West Nevada Street.

At the forums, people were invited to rank their top choices out of four options and provide written input.

“In a meeting that was probably an hour and a half in length we tried to take the most common feedback, repeated feedback, particularly on plan D, and what came out of that is plan E,” Flatau said.

Walking distance remained a top concern with families.

“I’m sure there are exceptions that people can take, but this is by far the best plan of the previous ones presented that really keeps neighborhoods intact and kids walking, generally, if they want to walk,” Flatau said.

The community is invited to view the latest boundary lines and fill out a survey at http://www.sd5.k12.mt.us.

A final decision by the school board is anticipated by December or January, at the latest.

“I think this is the best plan that’s been presented,” trustee Anne Marie Bailey said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.