It’s time to finally say ‘yes’

Athletics, FFA, speech and debate, theater, trades classes like welding and mechanics, internships, apprenticeships, music and 20 full-time teacher positions.  

It’s all on the line as voters consider Kalispell Public Schools’ $2.97 million levy request this week.  

The cost of failure? A diminished return on our investment in this community’s future leaders. 

Thankfully, a groundswell of support for the levy has built over the last few months through the grassroots One Brave Pack initative that has worked to spread the word about what is at stake. Flathead and Glacier high school students and parents have united with community leaders of varying backgrounds to speak out about why this vote isn’t just about a levy; it is a choice about the future trajectory of the local school district. 

That’s not hyperbole. The loss of 20 veteran teachers through attrition will absolutely be felt in the classroom. The potential closure of legacy offerings like the agricultural center will have long-term effects on the valley’s workforce and farming heritage. Ending programs like speech and debate will limit students’ chances of reaching their highest potential. 

Kalispell isn’t alone in facing tough decisions due to budget shortfalls — Missoula, Bozeman and Great Falls school districts have also grappled with layoffs and programming cuts. But thanks to an 18-year streak of voters rejecting high school district levies, Kalispell bears the scars of being the lowest funded AA district in the state.  

Voters should know that school districts operate with a set amount provided by the Legislature through a complicated and restrictive BASE formula that perennially falls short. That leaves local mill levies as the only recourse to offset deficits brought on by new educational standards, inflation and other economic factors plaguing the Flathead Valley like housing.  

It’s fair to say that over the last two decades, School District 5 has done more with less than any other AA district in Montana. But the cracks are beginning to show. Without this levy, it’s unreasonable to expect Kalispell can continue to match other districts and community expectations. 

Understandably, there may be levy fatigue in Kalispell as local homeowners pick up the tab for more and better services. But the district has put forth a fair proposal that gets high schools what they need to carry forward, with minimal impact on taxpayers. The average homeowner will pay an additional $74 a year if the levy is approved — that’s six bucks a month. 

“Out of all the things you can spend your money on, this has to be very important,” said Flathead High School junior Vikram Vatti in advocating for the levy. “You are directly helping our community. You are investing in the youth who are going to run the businesses that are within the Flathead Valley in the future.” 

Vatti is right. This is a small investment that will pay dividends for years to come.  

Kalispell’s students and teachers need our support. It’s time to finally say “yes.” 

Don’t let apathy curb One Brave Pack’s momentum. Take two minutes to fill out your ballot today. It must be returned to the Flathead County Election Department by May 6.