West Valley School District cancels election
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 3 months 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. | April 8, 2020 1:00 AM
West Valley School District canceled its May election after the board decided not to request a $175,000 technology levy.
The unanimous decision was made at an April 1 special board meeting.
“The main reason is with coronavirus, schools being shut down and the financial hardship patrons of the school district might be facing, the board felt it was best to cancel the levy this year,” West Valley Superintendent Cal Ketchum said.
The levy, initially approved on March 9, would have gone toward the purchase and maintenance of devices, equipment and infrastructure in addition to ongoing subscription or licensing fees. If the district moved forward with the levy and it was approved voters, owners of homes valued at $200,000 could have expected annual taxes to increase by $41.09.
Despite the cancellation, the needs remain and a levy request may be considered in the future.
Currently, the district has earmarked approximately $60,000 for technology in the proposed 2020 general fund budget, which goes before the board for approval approved in August. The district also anticipates more than $70,000 in relief aid through the federal Cares Act, according to West Valley Business Manager Cindy Foley.
“We’re going to continue to look for options and opportunities to enhance education,” Ketchum said.
The trustee election is also canceled with one open position uncontested. Incumbent Tad Lisowski will be seated by acclamation.
In addition to West Valley, Kalispell Public Schools and Whitefish have canceled levy elections.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].
ARTICLES BY HILARY MATHESON
The art of self-defense — Apex Fitness and Martial arts offers jiujitsu to all ages and abilities
At Apex Fitness and Martial Arts in Evergreen, a class of young Brazilian jiujitsu students seated in a row waiting their turn to spar, or "rolling," with a classmate under the watchful eye of professor Rogério Marshall, a sixth-degree black belt from Brazil who came to Montana to teach the martial art.
Kalispell Public Schools to appeal verdict in Glacier High School hazing lawsuit
The Kalispell Public Schools board of trustees voted Friday to appeal a federal jury’s unanimous verdict finding that the school district retaliated against Kirk and Clifford Nance after they reported alleged sexual assault, harassment and hazing in the Glacier High School wrestling program.
Kalispell school trustees approve pay raises, contract renewals for nonunion school staff
The Kalispell Public Schools board of trustees has approved pay raises and contract renewals for nonunion district employees, from the superintendent to bus drivers.