HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER
Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region.
IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families.
Recent Stories
Hundreds graduate from local schools
Six hundred nineteen graduates reached the apex of their high school careers as they walked across stages to receive diplomas Friday and Saturday.
Flathead teachers head back for assignment in Tanzania
Kevin and Genia Allen-Schmid have been to Tanzania and back — and they’re going back.
Student proves math mettle - Glacier junior wins state trigonometry contest
Out of 569 Montana students who competed in a recent trigonometry test called Trig-Star, Glacier High School claims the state winner — Carmen Miele.
Class of 2013: That's the spirit! - Science, soccer and leadership
Anna Deleray understands the role of being a team player and finding a common goal, whether playing through injury to help her soccer team get to state or becoming a founding member of a science club.
Class of 2013: That's the spirit! – The art of making a difference
Emma Covill is a creative spirit exuding a zest for music, dance and painting.
Class of 2013: That's the spirit! - 'I need to give back in return'
Seventeen-year-old Zachary Falk draws school spirit from leadership roles.
State funding helps local school budgets
With the passage of Senate Bill 175, Kalispell Public Schools officials estimate the district will receive an additional $1 million in state funding for the 2014 fiscal year.
Scholars' mantra: 'Keep on exploring'
'Shave Dave' - Teacher surrenders hair for a cause
Kalispell Montessori Elementary teacher David Cummings put on a smile Monday after having his head shaved into polka dots and his beard transformed into an extreme handlebar mustache.
Tutors worry about budget cutbacks
As Kalispell Public Schools officials work on a preliminary budget, the district has yet to settle with one union, The Kalispell Tutor Federation.
Evergreen school changes leadership setup
Evergreen Junior High School has replaced its student council with a new organization to get more student leaders involved.
Some levy questions unresolved
Significant school funding legislation awaiting the governor’s signature has altered when some local school districts will make levy requests this year.
'Tip-toe around the crypto'
Under the desert sun, wind, snow and rain, International Baccalaureate science students from Flathead High School learned that field research is not without its challenges.
Rusell School celebrates libraries
'It's the experience of putting their hands on a book'
Russell Elementary School recently wrapped up its celebration of National Library Week with a visit from Lori Heatherington and her four-legged friend Bernie.
It's test day for all high school juniors
All Montana high school juniors are scheduled to take the ACT Plus Writing test today.
Stock market savvy
Olivia Crick, left, and Jarrid Selway won second place in the simulated Stock Market Game.
School, scientists team up for garden
Landscape designer Anna van Lynden recently gave the organizers of the new Columbia Falls Wildcat Peace Garden some food for thought as she unrolled pieces of transparent paper marked with penciled layouts of the garden components.
Survey says - Flathead's neighbors tired of trash, parking issues
The heat was on at a community meeting sharing the results of a survey done in the neighborhood around Flathead High School.
High school bid package higher than expected
Site work on south side of school starts today
The second of three bid packages for the Whitefish High School redevelopment project was approved by the board despite coming in higher than estimated.
Mother gives years of service to Kalispell schools
One-woman booster club
Surrounded by a multitude of Glacier High School students for a photo shoot, parent Natalie Davis is in her glory.
Whitefish school to replace faulty boilers
Whitefish Middle School’s two heating system boilers will be replaced after malfunctioning for at least eight years.
Short-story glory
Libby, Kalispell students place in national competition
A couple of America’s next best-selling writers might be right here in Northwest Montana.
Seven teens from one troop become Eagle Scouts
Scouts honor
Architects draw up plans for remodel, expansion
West Valley School
Bigfork schools improve security
The Bigfork School District is beefing up school security.
Trinity leader earns 'light of Christ' award
In more ways than one, Trinity Lutheran School Principal David Topp has been a ray of Christ’s light to several staff and community members.
Engineering costs rise for school projects
The Kalispell Public Schools elementary-school expansion project remains on budget although architect and engineer fees have been increased by $61,250.
On the brink of retirement
Evergreen superintendent closing out career
Working at Evergreen School District has been a highlight of Superintendent Joel Voytoski’s career in education.
Options studied for crowded school
Public open house planned Thursday
West Valley School is at capacity with 520 students — not including the staff of about 60 — in a building meant for 470 people.
Glacier High School coach honored
Ivanna Fritz, an assistant speech and debate coach at Glacier High school, recently was named Class AA Assistant Coach of the Year.
Debt refinancing expected to lower tax bills
Kalispell Public Schools is refinancing $10 million in high school bonds, which may result in savings for taxpayers in the school district.
Holy Hoops - Spirited games wrap up annual St. Matthew's event
There was an air of lighthearted and saintly competitiveness during St. Matthew’s School’s third annual Holy Hoops intramural basketball tournament.
Summit Prep celebrates 10 years of helping youths
The potential that adolescents have to turn to their lives around is why Rick and Jan Johnson sought to open Summit Preparatory School.
Bridge, Laser schools to merge
Bridge Academy and Laser Alternative High School in Kalispell will become one entity this fall.
Endowment aims to enhance opportunities at C. Falls High
The Columbia Falls High School Academic and Alumni Endowment is holding its second annual ball Friday to reconnect alumni, current students and community members in School District 6.
Science comes alive at annual fair
From plastic created using milk and vinegar to electricity generated through exercise to methane bioproduction, young minds were abuzz with science Tuesday at West Valley School.
General rallies troops at Stillwater banquet
There is hope for America to reverse a culture war, according to retired Lt. Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin.
Dozens protest violence against women
More than 30 women and men gathered on the sidewalk along Grandview Drive holding signs and banners for an end of violence against women and girls Friday.
Kila kids get up early to get fit
At 7:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, third- through sixth-graders at Kila School clock 30 minutes of exercise before school begins.
See the stars next week at Smith Valley School
Planetarium to be set up for three days
A portable planetarium is coming to Smith Valley School next week.
Schools becoming construction zones
Construction is under way at Peterson Elementary School in Kalispell as workers excavate for footings and the foundation for four new classrooms, a small kitchen and a multipurpose room.
Hockey players pitch in on Habitat project
Glacier Nationals Junior Hockey teammates framed the first wall of a Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley townhouse last week.
Derby tradition returns to town
For all current and former Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby racers, it’s time again to whittle a new car or restore old ones to their former glory — the district competition is coming back to Kalispell on March 16.
'Confession' pages create Facebook challenges
A recent rash of Facebook “confession” pages has captured the attention of Kalispell Public Schools administration, Kalispell Police Department, students, parents and teachers.
Young talent wows Kalispell crowd
Humorous, articulate, thought-provoking, intense and talented are words to describe An Evening of Fine Arts on Monday.
Champ has good vantage point
Stillwater School eighth-grader wins annual spelldown
Eighth-grader Sophia Skwarchuk had the “vantage” of being a master speller at the Flathead County Spelling Bee.
School building to stay on market
There haven’t been any offers on the Kalispell School District’s auxiliary services building after 11 months on the market, Superintendent Darlene Schottle reported at a school board meeting last week.
Glacier High School students take first in 'We the People' contest
DECA students shine at state contest
Whitefish and Glacier High Schools DECA organizations were at the top of their game at the recent state competition.
Students learn Spanish in after-school program
Kila School students are getting an ear for espanol.