I would like to thank our parents and community members for the ongoing support of Kalispell Public Schools. 

The support you have provided has allowed the district to create many curriculum options that connect students to school. The graduation rate has increased by 5 percent and the dropout rates have decreased by 3.5 percent over the last five years. The district believes that this can be at least partially attributed to more alternatives for students and additional focused instructional support starting at an early age and continuing high school. Many of these options have become available through the use of educational technology.

We are currently asking our elementary and high school voters to consider a technology levy. This levy will have a positive impact on every student and every staff member at every site. Social media and Internet access has changed the way educators teach, how students learn and the way parents, teacher and students communicate. 

Schools utilize technology to provide alternative classes through resources such as the Montana Digital Academy. Online content in some form is integrated into all classrooms with the virtually endless resources provided through the Internet for every grade level. Students with special needs have more access through software programs, and schools are expanding regular class offerings to include some digital options. Next year Glacier and Flathead high schools and the Kalispell Middle School will offer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs. Many local businesses have created collaborations and provided mentors making real life connections with a variety of technology projects.  

School District 5 appreciates the endorsement of our technology levy request by the Chamber of Commerce. 

The secure integration of technology into classrooms creates options for instruction. As Bill Gates said, “In terms of getting groups of kids together and motivating them nothing replaces a teacher. Technology is just a tool.” 

Technology as a tool can create more engaged and challenged students in the hands of an effective teacher. The ability to locate information, distinguish the truth embedded in research, think critically and present information in many types of media is all aided by computers in the classroom. 

Technology based assessment also allows teachers to track student learning more efficiently and be more specific in providing intervention and enrichment. Bandwidth, connectivity and Internet access are essential for businesses and schools alike. The business end of School District 5 also requires seamless technology to provide access for all financial operations, sub calling, personnel interactions, phone and email communications and all aspects of running a business with more than 750 employees. 

We appreciate your consideration of our technology levy and encourage you to log in to our website http://www.sd5.k12.mt.us to see a detailed overview of how the levy funds will be used. 

Schottle is superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools.