Kalispell school board OKs technology funding

A plan to meet technology needs in the high school district was set in motion following a unanimous board decision Tuesday to allocate $200,000 in one-time money for upgrades and replacements at Flathead, Glacier high school and Linderman Education Center.

Flathead and Glacier will receive $90,000 and Linderman will get $20,000 to put toward technology expenses outlined in a technology needs assessment the schools completed in September 2018. Those expenses include: desktop computers, parts to refurbish computers, laptops, Chromebooks, projectors, panels, software license fees, cameras and miscellaneous items like power strips, mice and keyboards.

The money comes from an interlocal fund, which has been the route the high school district has taken in the past to cover technology expense, but it’s a finite source. The interlocal fund contains money leftover at the end of the year from the high school and elementary districts. Currently, there is more than $2 million in the interlocal fund, according to Gwyn Andersen, Kalispell Public Schools district director of business services.

“I’ll just remind the trustees as well as members in the audience that we do not have a technology levy in the high school as we do in the elementary district; therefore it’s been challenging to meet the needs of our technology,” Kalispell Superintendent Mark Flatau said prior to the board vote.

The high school district is planning to put a $1.2 million general-fund levy request before voters through a mail ballot election in May. A general-fund levy, as the name implies, covers a broader range of expenses that includes, but is not limited to technology. A general-fund levy supports the day-to-day operations and resources necessary to educate students from textbooks to salaries. If approved by voters, owners of homes valued at $200,000 could expect an annual tax increase of $25.71.

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