Kalispell Public Schools has created a new communications coordinator position to work with the superintendent to create and carry out a district communications plan. 

The position has been filled by Joel Danoy, who joined the district Oct. 1. 

He will receive a $57,000 salary. The salary will be paid with money from the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit initiative (70%), general fund (15%) and transportation fund (15%). The Innovative Educational Program is a statewide initiative for people to donate to schools and receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits. The program is meant to provide schools with supplemental funding through donations. 

Superintendent Matt Jensen advocated for such a position to bring "consistency" in how information is shared both internally and externally with messaging branded to different stakeholders. 

Danoy holds a bachelor’s in journalism from West Virginia University. He previously worked as a director of communications and marketing at private and parochial schools in San Francisco including Archbishop Riordan High School, La Scuola International School and Mercy High School. He arrived in Montana in April, working Glacier Raft Company over the summer. He has also worked as newspaper reporter in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and California. 

“I’m very humbled and honored to join the incredible team of educators at KPS who are working tirelessly to create meaningful impacts in the lives of students and families,” Danoy said in a press release. “I’m eager to connect with our community and share my enthusiasm for fostering engaging and effective communications that create positive outcomes for KPS students, families, teachers, and staff.” 

The new position comes at a time when Kalispell Public Schools is facing a $2.2 to $3.1 million shortfall, pending the outcome of negotiations with the Kalispell Education Association, which are ongoing. Certified staff continue being paid under the 2023-24 collective bargaining agreement 

In the past, the district created communications positions as it sought to pass levies and bonds. The district first hired a part-time communications/outreach coordinator position in 2011 who also worked part-time as the Kalispell Education Foundation director and the two organizations contributed to the salary. The job title and duties changed over the years, briefly going full-time, until the district cut the communications position in 2018.   

At the July 9 board meeting, Jensen said he wanted to reiterate that the position was not being created "to pass levies," but improve communication across the board.    

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.