Voters in the Kalispell Public Schools high school district approved a $2.97 million general fund levy request on Tuesday, snapping an 18-year streak of rejecting such requests.  

Nearly 56% of ballots were in favor of the high school general fund levy — aimed at supporting educational programming and maintaining staffing levels — according to preliminary results. Residents in Kalispell and 13 surrounding partner districts that feed into the high school district were able to vote on the levy. 

The high school district encompasses Flathead and Glacier high schools, the H.E. Robinson Agricultural Education Center and Linderman Education Center, the alternative high school.   

Owners of homes with assessed values of $200,000 can anticipate annual taxes to increase by about $33.04. Owners of homes with assessed values of $300,000 can expect annual taxes to increase by $49.56.      

"This outcome brings a flood of gratitude, knowing what it means for our current and future high school students, their families and our entire community," Superintendent Matt Jensen wrote in a message to the district.  

"This support not only strengthens our schools but also reinforces the vitality of our local businesses and the long-term health of our community as a whole. In an era marked by division, I’m especially thankful to serve a community that can come together in support of our most valuable investment, our children."  

The levy will cover a budget shortfall and fully fund the high school district, which was 90% funded.  

Had the levy failed, the district planned to eliminate 20.5 full-time equivalent teaching positions, primarily through attrition and offered an early retirement incentive. The district also notified potentially affected staff prior to the May 6 election to give them time to prepare if the levy didn’t pass. 

"Legacy programs” also won’t be phased out as proposed. These programs included ag and FFA, athletics, speech and debate, theater, trades classes (culinary, house construction, mechanic shop and welding), internships, apprenticeships and music. 

This levy election marked a shift in how Kalispell Public Schools addresses budget shortfalls and rising costs. Rather than tap into one-time funding in the interlocal fund to cover ongoing costs, as in past years, the school district pivoted strategies under a new administration and school board by proposing cuts in efforts to stop "kicking the can down the road."   

Kalispell school board trustee Jinnifer Mariman also thanked the community for voting and supporting students. She told the Inter Lake that the district put out a strong message of what was at stake. 

“As a board member, knowing the types of decisions we were going to have to make, there wasn’t really any choice but to leave it on the field,” Mariman said. 

“I think it’s really heartening to see our community rally around our students and our schools ... the business members, parents, students and local leaders who all came together to advocate for this, in addition to the school’s efforts,” she said. 

“I’m just so happy for our students,” she added. 

The levy campaign was aided this election cycle by outspoken supporters, including the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. The effort saw the creation of One Brave Pack, a political action committee composed of high school students, parents and business leaders who canvassed for “Yes” votes.  

The district also created a new communications coordinator position, filled in October 2024, to work with the superintendent in developing and carrying out a communication plan districtwide. 

WHITEFISH SCHOOL District saw a $100,000 high school general fund levy pass muster in a 2,371 (59%) to 1,638 (41%) vote. The owner of a home valued at $300,000 can expect annual taxes to increase by $2.57. 

Deer Park School District’s $4 million bond to construct a new building to address aging facilities and add space was defeated with 142 (32%) “yes” votes and 303 (68%) “no” votes. 

If the 25-year bond had been approved, annual taxes would have increased by about $162.25 for owners of homes with assessed values of $200,000. Annual taxes on homes valued at $300,000 would have increased by $243.37.  

The following are preliminary school and special district election results from the May 6 election. Preliminary results are unofficial until each respective school board and special district canvases them.   

 Kalispell Public Schools high school general fund levy  

* For 11,641 (55.57%)  

Against 9,307 (44.43%)  

Whitefish High School general fund levy  

* For 2,371 (59%)  

Against 1,638 (41%)  

Deer Park School bond  

Yes 142 (32%)  

* No 303 (68%)  

West Valley Fire Mill Levy  

* For 1,625  

Against 981  

Cayuse Prairie School Trustee (vote for 1)  

David Dowell 343  

* Susan Horner-Till 489  

Smith Valley School Trustee (vote for 2)  

Jodi Brown 138  

* Joe Heidecker 217  

Kayla Huchendorf 152  

* Josh Hunt 274  

Deer Park School Trustee (vote for 1)  

* Cynthia Barnes 184  

Mikala Cordes 162  

Bigfork Fire Trustee (vote for 2)  

* Bob Borges 413  

Nick Purchio 375  

* Andrew Sliter 764  

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].