KPS Advocates for Education at State Capitol
Principal Murray, Principal Stein, Principal Benkelman, Trustee Heidi Hickethier, and Superintendent Jensen met on Wednesday with Rep. Courtenay Sprunger.
Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) featured its educational leadership last week with a powerful presence at the Montana State Capitol, highlighting excellence in teaching and learning as well as advocating for Kalispell public education.
A team of KPS principals, trustees, and administrators traveled to Helena to showcase the district's Personalized Competency Based Education (PCBE) program during the Principals Conference on Monday, Jan. 27, followed by participation in School Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
"Our educators are truly leading the way in Montana through innovative teaching and learning practices such as PCBE," said Superintendent Matt Jensen. "When we visit the Capitol, we are here to advocate for our teachers, students, and families - and it's clear that KPS is leaving an impression of excellence across our state."
The team included Principal Murray (Rankin Elementary), Principal Stein (Edgerton Elementary), Principal Benkelman (Hedges Elementary), Assistant Principal Paugh (Kalispell Middle), Assistant Superintendent Cole, and Trustee Heidi Hickethier, with several members meeting legislators to discuss critical issues including public school funding and the STARS Act.
The visit coincides with growing momentum for education in Kalispell, as the Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Jan. 28 to place a High School Levy on the May 6 ballot. The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors also voted unanimously that day to pledge their support to the levy, marking a significant show of community backing for local education.
"The recognition we're receiving across the state of Montana reinforces what we already know – our teachers transform students' lives and strengthen our community every day," Jensen said. "We are humbled by the Chamber’s endorsement, and are proud to have more than 250 business partners across the Flathead who offer critical exploration, internships, and career opportunities to our students directly after high school or as they return following college graduation.”
The upcoming levy would be the first passed for Kalispell high schools since 2007, representing a potential turning point for educational funding in the community. The district plans to share more details about the levy in the coming weeks.
Superintendent Jensen encourages community members to learn more about the positive influences and impacts that KPS teachers and students have in shaping the Flathead.
“Your voices matter in our community. KPS has a great story to tell and it all begins with each of us on an individual level,” Jensen said. “This spring, our community will collectively understand that education matters in Kalispell and we are proud to dedicate our lives to helping students prepare for whatever is next for them, whether it is college, community, or starting a career.
Principal Murray, Principal Stein, Principal Benkelman, Trustee Heidi Hickethier, and Superintendent Jensen met on Wednesday with Rep. Steve Kelly.