Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t want my taxes to go up. Why should I vote for this levy?

We understand concerns about taxes. While taxes to the state and county have increased, the amount of local taxes going to Kalispell schools has actually gone down due to a stable budget and more taxpayers sharing the load.

How have schools managed without a levy for so long?

The district has quietly made cuts, increasing class sizes as teachers retire without replacements (passive RIFs). Staff duties have been consolidated—for example, teachers now act as hall monitors instead of having prep periods. Short-term federal COVID funds and grants helped bridge gaps, but those funds are no longer available.

What programs are at risk without the levy?

• 21 high school positions will be eliminated

• Class sizes will increase

• More than 100 high school course options will disappear

• Programs at risk include:

  • Ag Center (welding, mechanics, student-built homes, etc.)

  • IB & AP classes

  • Sports, arts, music, and theater

  • Speech & debate

  • Linderman Education Center

  • Apprenticeships & internships

  • Career & college readiness programs

Why don’t schools focus only on reading, writing, and math?

State funding is already dedicated to these core subjects. However, students need a well-rounded education to succeed in the workforce. Programs like trades education, speech & debate, and extracurriculars help students apply their learning and develop real-world skills.

How does our school district’s budget compare to other Montana AA schools?

Unlike other AA districts that regularly pass levies, Kalispell operates on outdated funding levels. Despite this, we allocate more of our budget toward teachers and materials rather than administrative salaries.

Why should I care if I don’t have kids in school?

90% of Montana kids attend public schools. These students are the future workforce—our bank tellers, caregivers, police officers, and surgeons. Their education impacts our entire community.

I already paid for my kids’ education. Why should I pay more?

Your education was funded by past generations, including households without children. Now it’s your turn to invest in the next generation.

Can’t the schools find money elsewhere?

Grants help, but they are unreliable. The budget shortfall is now too great to be filled without a levy. A small increase from each of us ensures a brighter future for all.

Is the Ag Center getting cut?

If the levy fails, the Ag Center’s staff will be reduced from 6 to just 4 teachers, and 8 classes will be cut, including welding courses. The Ag Center is an essential part of our community, but because the state doesn’t consider agricultural education "essential," it relies on levy funding to survive.