Some students offered option to stay at current school
Some Kalispell kindergarten through fifth-grade students may be attending different schools in August when new elementary district boundaries go into effect.
As a result of the boundary changes, Kalispell Public Schools is offering impacted students the option to be grandfathered into attending their current school for the 2018-19 school year.
In previous discussions, Kalispell Superintendent Mark Flatau has given an example of a child in fourth grade who would want to complete fifth grade at the same school before moving on to middle school.
Families who want their children considered for a one-year continuance at their current school need to fill out a form available online at http://www.sd5.k12.mt.us. Completed forms may be submitted to Administrative Assistant Beth Kornick at the superintendent’s office by email at kornickb@sd5.k12.mt.us; fax at 406-751-3416; or by mail at 233 First Ave. E. Kalispell, MT 59901.
Pending the board of trustees input, Flatau has proposed a Feb. 23 deadline for submitting forms. Flatau said decisions need to be made promptly in order to make staffing decisions.
The in-district transfer policy is an avenue families may consider in subsequent years if a student wants to continue attending a particular school after the 2018-19 school year.
The new elementary district boundaries may also be viewed at the district website. For more information about which elementary school zone your home is located call Kalispell Public Schools Transportation Director Annie Jensen at 406-751-3439.
The reason for redistricting was to include Rankin Elementary, which is currently under construction at 2155 Airport Road and is set to open in August. Other reasons were to reduce overcrowding at the district’s five other elementary schools while allotting space for enrollment growth in schools located near growing residential areas. The district’s other elementary schools include 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.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.