After a long discussion Tuesday, the Kalispell school board voted to renew its membership in the Montana Quality Education Coalition at a cost of $4,000.

The measure passed by an 8-3 vote with trustees Steve Davis, Dave Schultz and Joe Brenneman in opposition after an extensive discussion.

The coalition works to maintain adequate school funding and ensure the Legislature follows the state Constitution.  

Trustee Mary Ruby said the coalition played an integral part in the passage of Senate Bill 175, which revised and increased public education funding.

Some trustees argued that the coalition duplicated efforts by the Montana School Boards Association, of which the district is a member. Other trustees contended that the coalition had larger school districts’ interests in mind while the association focuses on smaller districts.

“Looking at the way the state Legislature is shaping up, I think we’re going to need all the help we can get for the schools,” trustee Tom Clark said. “I think we’re going to take a very conservative turn and I think the schools need all the voices they can get.”

Ruby agreed that it will be a tough year ahead for school funding in the Legislature.

Schultz and Brenneman were concerned whether membership was worth the value of dedicating $4,000 following a failed high school district levy.

“I think our budget constraints this year — in light of technology — I think it’s important that we look at everything we’re spending and I agree MTSBA does a good job supporting us, I won’t be supporting this motion,” Brenneman said.

He later added, “It comes down to 4,000 bucks — is what — six refurbished computers?”

At Tuesday’s meeting, District Clerk Gwyn Andersen presented the first draft of a preliminary budget for the 2014-15 school year.

The high school district budget is $18,501,787, up $556,429 (3.10 percent) from last year. The elementary district is $19,765,182 budget, an increase of $528,056 (2.74 percent) from last year.

Andersen cited a $137,000 deficit in the elementary district and a $190,000 deficit on the high school district and identified savings in various areas to balance the budget.

She said one of the largest areas to cover both deficits is from utility savings. She also said the elementary district — where a successful $600,000-a-year technology levy passed — could begin moving line items such as software costs, from the general fund to the technology fund.

Andersen also noted that she has yet to receive finalized numbers from the state on how much funding the district will receive for the number of students enrolled.

“I don’t think we’ll have any problem getting the budget balanced,” Andersen said.

Trustees have until August to finalize a budget.

Superintendent Darlene Schottle also reported that with kindergarten registration completed, there already are more students compared to last year. In the past, enrollment has doubled from the time kindergarten registration is held to the first day of school, according to Schottle.

“We’re hoping that because we did better advertising and marketing and shared more information at school sites, that that’s not true this year because we’re already higher 40 than last year,” Schottle said.

The board also reorganized during Tuesday’s meeting.

Frank Miller was chosen to continue as chairman, Brenneman was selected vice chairman and Andersen will continue as district clerk.

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