People invited to join Superintendent Socials
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years AGO
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. | July 23, 2014 9:00 PM
New Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau is a proponent of open dialogue and transparency.
To promote that open dialogue between the district and community members, he invites people to sign up for a Superintendent Social.
“This was something that I did nine years ago and it proved to be successful in a sense that people appreciated it. It provided me with a variety of dialogue and input,” Flatau said.
Flatau said the Superintendent Social is meant to be a casual gathering to talk about what’s going on in Kalispell Public Schools.
“Depending on what the group wants, they can hear from me; they can ask questions; or if there’s a particular concern I will listen, take notes and try to research that as best as I can and get back to them,” Flatau said.
While he has been making the rounds of civic groups, Flatau also wants to reach out to people who may not belong to a specific club or group. Flatau said he is willing to meet people where they are — in their homes and neighborhoods.
“Continued community support is an essential, critical component of any strong public school system and we have to continue to build on our strengths in that area,” Flatau said. “We also have to continue to demonstrate to our community that we’re doing the job we should be doing — we’re demonstrating school achievement and that we’re accountable for their tax dollars and how we spend them.”
People may call 751-3434 to arrange a Superintendent Social.
“If you put the coffee on I’ll bring the cookies,” Flatau said.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].
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