KALISPELL, Mont. – Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) is grappling with a significant deficit between it’s elementary and high school budgets, putting the jobs of numerous staff members at risk. The district is considering a high school levy and pushing for changes in legislation to address the financial shortfall.
KPS Superintendent Matt Jensen explained the situation, stating, “Both budgets are facing about a $1.5 million deficit. On the elementary side, that translates into about 15 positions with some other reductions. On the high school side, we’re looking at 21 staff that’s full-time positions reduced unless a levy passes.”
The potential layoffs would reduce the current 448 certified staff members who serve over 6,000 students in the district. The budget issues stem from the state’s funding formula, which limits the elementary budget capacity, and the fact that Flathead County has not passed a high school levy since 2007…