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Kalispell superintendent’s contract extended

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
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. | August 1, 2025 12:00 AM

Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen’s contract has been extended for three years. 

The contract, which goes through June 30, 2028, provides a base salary of $187,398. The contract includes a 2% annual pay increase and a 2.11% cost of living adjustment, comparable to other district personnel, starting July 1, 2026.  

Jensen will receive a vehicle allowance up to $3,960 a year for using his personal vehicle to conduct in-district business. The amount will paid over time as part of the superintendent’s monthly paycheck. 

Jensen’s contract includes a personal leave increase from 12 to 15 days. The board also updated the superintendent’s severance pay eligibility based on years of service, starting at $5,000 for three years of service. 

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

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