Your Vote Matters!

Strengthening Our Schools, Securing Our Future

The proposed high school levy on the May 6, 2025, ballot aims to generate approximately $2.9M to provide students with:

• Educational excellence and dynamic course offerings
• Access to career & college pathways and partner experiences
• Competitive advantages following graduation

Serving more than 6,000 students at 12 schools, Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) is implementing an innovative K-12 student experience that begins in kindergarten and extends through high school graduation.

Through partnerships with local businesses and a focus on hands-on experiences that connect with classroom learning, KPS is preparing students for future success in career, college, and community.

However, as Montana's lowest-funded AA district, KPS faces challenges in scaling these opportunities to every student. For 18 years, KPS has operated below full funding, and is currently 90% funded compared to other AA districts. Our high schools can no longer maintain current levels of innovation and dynamic course offerings without a local levy.

Teaching positions will be eliminated, student course offerings greatly reduced, and successful placement in career and college after graduation will be at-risk.

Without a high school levy, the following will occur:

• 20.5 High school teaching positions eliminated
• More than 100 high school course offerings reduced - impacting career and college placement and eligibility
• Phasing out of legacy programs, such as:
• Agriculture Center & FFA
• Athletics and teams
• Trades classes, such as:
   • Welding
   • Mechanic Shop
   • House Construction
• Culinary
• Speech & Debate
• The Arts / Theatre / Music
• More courses yet to be determined

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ELECTION

DOWNLOAD: Levy Fast Facts

Available free to all community members interested in learning about the high school levy.

DOWNLOAD: HIGH SCHOOL LEVY: FAST FACTS

Podcast: Understanding the High School Levy

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce explores how this levy directly affects our students, families, and community as a whole. This podcast features discussions with Matt Jensen, Superintendent, and Jinn Merriman, a dedicated school board trustee and parent.

Listeners will gain insights into the vital role local levies play in providing quality education, funding critical programs, and ensuring that our schools can continue to thrive. You’ll learn about the potential ramifications of not passing the levy—including the loss of teaching positions, reduced course offerings and increased class sizes that could hinder student success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Increasing Taxes Don't Go to Public Education - added 4-1-25

Where can I find KPS school budgets?

Historical Budgets

Elementary District (K-8) FY25 Budget

High School (9-12) FY25 Budget

How does the district spend its money? Is there an independent audit

The district follows a structured process to develop and manage its budget, ensuring funds are allocated appropriately and efficiently.

Process from Trustee Adoption of Budget to End-of-Year Audit:

Enrollment Counts (October & February): The district’s funding is based on enrollment, which is officially counted twice a year to determine state funding allocations.
Levy Consideration (March): By March, the Board of Trustees decides whether to run a levy election to supplement funding.
Legislative Impact (Every Other Year): If it is a legislative year, the district assesses any changes in state funding and incorporates them into budget planning.
Preliminary Budget Development (Spring & Summer): Based on enrollment projections, funding levels, and staffing needs, a draft budget is prepared and reviewed.
Board Adoption (August): The Board of Trustees approves the final budget for the upcoming school year.
Staffing Metrics: The district uses established staffing metrics to ensure appropriate staffing levels for student needs while identifying and adjusting for potential overstaffing.
Annual Audit: After the fiscal year ends, an independent audit reviews district finances to ensure compliance and transparency.

My property taxes went up 40%. Did schools get that money?

No, schools didn’t get that money. Rising property values don’t directly increase school funding. While funding for some unique special education services and transportation can fluctuate based on actual costs, the district’s General Fund (associated with the Levy) used for most operating expenses, is capped at a 3% increase per year unless voters approve a levy.

My taxes keep going up. Why don’t schools get more money?

Even though property taxes may increase due to rising property values, state law caps school district budget increases at 3% per year unless voters approve additional funding through a levy. This means that even if tax collections increase significantly, schools do not automatically receive more money. Instead, the additional revenue is often redistributed within the state's funding formula or allocated to other taxing entities.

There’s so much new housing. Why are school taxes still going up, even though the tax burden is spread around more?

While more houses increase the overall tax base, the school district does not automatically receive more money. State law caps how much schools can receive each year, typically limiting increases to no more than 3%, unless voters approve a levy.

Example:
- If the district is authorized to collect $100 from 10 homes, each homeowner pays $10. If 10 more homes are built, the district still only collects $100, but now each homeowner pays $5.

(All else equal — meaning no change in voter-approved levies or state caps, equalization payments)

So even though new development spreads the tax burden across more properties, the total amount the school receives doesn’t increase unless voters approve it.

Why do schools need a levy? Do they need a levy every year?

Schools need a levy because state funding does not fully cover the cost of education, especially as enrollment grows. The "over-base" budget, which is the portion of the school budget funded by local taxpayers through levies, does not automatically increase with enrollment. Without a levy, schools struggle to keep up with inflation, rising costs, and growing student needs.

While a levy is not required every year, periodic levies are necessary to maintain current programs and staffing levels. The last levy was passed 18 years ago.

Marijuana Revenue & Public Schools in Montana - added 4-9-25

Note: This FAQ is based on Montana state legislation and official reports as of October 2024.

Does marijuana tax revenue directly fund public education in Montana?

No. Despite common misconceptions, marijuana tax revenue in Montana is not directly allocated to public education funding. The state's marijuana tax distribution formula directs revenue to specific programs and funds, but K-12 education is not among the primary beneficiaries.

Where does Montana's marijuana tax revenue actually go?

Montana's adult-use marijuana tax revenue is distributed according to a specific formula established by law:

20% to addiction treatment programs
20% to conservation programs (including Habitat Montana)
4% to state parks
4% to trails and recreational facilities
4% to wildlife protection
3% to veterans' services
The remaining revenue goes to the state general fund

Source: Montana House Bill 701 (2021), which implemented Initiative I-190; Montana Department of Revenue annual reports on marijuana taxation [1]

Wasn't marijuana legalization promoted as benefiting education?

This is a common misconception. While some states did include education funding in their marijuana legalization frameworks (like Colorado), Montana's Initiative I-190 that legalized recreational marijuana did not specifically earmark funds for education. The initiative language and subsequent legislative implementation focused on other priorities including conservation, addiction treatment, and veterans' services.

Source: Montana Initiative I-190 (2020) official ballot language and Montana Legislature House Bill 701 (2021) [2][3]

Why do people think marijuana taxes fund education in Montana?

Several factors contribute to this misconception:

Confusion with other states' marijuana tax models
Generalized campaign messaging about "public benefits" during legalization efforts
The fact that some general fund money (where some marijuana revenue goes) might indirectly support education
Media oversimplification of complex revenue allocation models

Does any marijuana revenue indirectly support education?

Some marijuana tax revenue does go to the state general fund, which supports various government operations including partial funding for education. However, this represents an indirect and relatively minor contribution to total education funding, not a dedicated revenue stream as many believe.

Was there ever a proposal to direct marijuana revenue to education?

During legislative debates about implementing recreational marijuana in Montana, some lawmakers did propose directing more revenue toward education. However, the final legislation prioritized other areas, particularly conservation, addiction treatment, and veterans' services.

How much total revenue does marijuana taxation generate in Montana?

Montana collects approximately $50-60 million annually in marijuana tax revenue. While significant, this represents less than 3% of Montana's total K-12 education budget, which exceeds $2 billion annually.

Source: Montana Department of Revenue Cannabis Control Division fiscal reports; Montana Legislative Fiscal Division education budget documents (2022-2024) [6][7]

Can marijuana revenue allocation be changed to benefit education?

Yes, the revenue allocation formula could be changed through legislative action. Any changes would require passing a bill through the Montana Legislature and obtaining the governor's signature. Advocacy groups interested in redirecting cannabis revenue to education would need to engage with this legislative process.

Do other states allocate marijuana tax revenue to education?

Yes, several states with legal recreational marijuana direct significant portions of tax revenue to education, including:

Colorado: The first $40 million of excise tax revenue goes to school construction
Washington: Portions go to education and prevention programs
Oregon: 40% goes to the State School Fund
Nevada: Revenue from wholesale tax goes to education

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) "Cannabis Tax Revenue in States" reports; Tax Foundation analysis of state marijuana taxation models (2023) [8][9]

What should Montana residents know about marijuana taxes and school funding?

Montana residents should understand that:

Marijuana taxes represent a small fraction of state revenue
The current legal framework does not prioritize education funding
Public education relies primarily on property taxes and general fund appropriations
Changes to revenue allocation would require legislative action

Sources

[1] Montana Department of Revenue. (2023). Cannabis Tax Revenue Distribution Annual Report. Helena, MT: State of Montana.
[2] Montana Secretary of State. (2020). 2020 Ballot Initiative I-190 Text and Voter Information. Helena, MT.
[3] Montana Legislature. (2021). House Bill 701: Revise Marijuana Laws. 67th Legislative Session.
[6] Montana Department of Revenue, Cannabis Control Division. (2024). Marijuana Tax Collections Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Helena, MT.
[7] Montana Legislative Fiscal Division. (2024). State Budget Analysis: Education Sector. Helena, MT.
[8] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2024). Cannabis Tax Revenue in States. Washington, DC.
[9] Tax Foundation. (2023). State Marijuana Taxation Models and Revenue Allocation. Washington, DC.

Why this Levy Matters

What is being proposed?

A high school levy on the May 6, 2025 ballot to generate approximately $2.9M in funding to support educational programs, personalized learning, and student opportunities throughout the district.

Why is this levy needed now?

KPS is the lowest funded AA District in the state of Montana. For 18 years, KPS has operated below full funding, and is currently 90% funded compared to other AA districts. Our high schools can no longer maintain current levels of innovation and dynamic course offerings without a local levy. Without the high school levy, KPS will need to eliminate 20.5 teaching positions and reduce over 100 course offerings.

KPS finances are set at a 2007 level because that was the last time voters approved a levy.

What does the levy fund specifically?

The levy supports maintaining innovative educational programs, personalized learning approaches, career exploration pathways, and specialized course offerings that prepare students for career, college, and community success.

Is this a one-time levy or ongoing?

This is an ongoing levy that would provide sustainable funding for educational programs rather than temporary support.

When is the election?

May 6, 2025

What specific programs and course offerings are at risk without levy funding?

Programs affected include, but not limited to:

Agriculture Center & FFA
Athletics and teams
Trades classes (Welding, Mechanic Shop, House Construction)
Internships and Apprenticeships
Work-Based Learning
Business & Industry Partnerships
Speech & Debate
The Arts, Theatre, and Music

Taxpayer Impact

How much will this levy cost the average homeowner?

For a home with an assessed value of $447,000 (Kalispell average), the levy would cost approximately $6.15 monthly or $73.80 annually.

How is the tax impact calculated for different property values?

$100,000 assessed value: $1.38/month or $16.52/year
$200,000 assessed value: $2.75/month or $33.04/year
$300,000 assessed value: $4.13/month or $49.56/year
$600,000 assessed value: $8.26/month or $99.12/year

Are property taxes based on market value or assessed value?

Property taxes are based on the assessed value of property, not market value.

Educational Approach

What is Personalized Competency Based Education (PCBE)?

PCBE shifts from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more flexible learning experience focused on individual student needs while maintaining high standards for achievement. It includes diverse learning environments, customized pacing, and clear learning objectives aligned with future success.

How does PCBE differ from traditional education?

PCBE differs in learning environment, teaching approach, pacing, assessment methods, student support, and college/career readiness focus. It emphasizes mastering competencies rather than just completing courses, provides personalized pacing, and integrates real-world applications.

How does the K-12 Career Exploration Pathway work?

The pathway provides age-appropriate career development activities from kindergarten through graduation:

Career Awareness (K-5): Introducing career possibilities through experiential learning
Career Exploration (6-8): Activities like job shadowing and career lessons
Career Preparation (9-10): In-depth engagement with specialized paths
Career Implementation (11-12): Internships, apprenticeships, and workforce entry

How has KPS maintained educational quality despite funding challenges?

KPS has developed innovative programs, maximized instructional spending, minimized administrative costs, and leveraged community partnerships to provide quality education despite funding limitations.

Student Impact

What results has the current educational approach shown?

Students develop clearer career/college direction earlier, graduates secure skilled positions with local employers, and students achieve first-choice placement in higher education.

How many students benefit from career exploration programs?

All 6,000+ students participate in age-appropriate career activities. In the 2024-25 school year, elementary students engaged in 15,000+ unique experiences while 250+ high school students participated in internships and work-based learning opportunities.

What happens to student opportunities if the levy doesn't pass?

Without the levy, 20.5 teaching positions would be eliminated, more than 100 high school course options would be reduced, and programs such as Agriculture Center & FFA, athletics, trades classes, internships, and arts programs would face significant cuts.

How does the educational approach prepare students for diverse paths after graduation?

The personalized approach prepares students for multiple pathways including four-year universities, community colleges, technical programs, apprenticeships, military service, or direct workforce entry.

Community Partnerships

How many local businesses partner with KPS?

More than 300 Flathead business and industry partners work with KPS to provide career exploration opportunities, internships, and work-based learning experiences.

How do these partnerships benefit local businesses?

Businesses develop talent pipelines, help shape workforce skills, and build connections with potential future employees. These partnerships create a bridge between classroom learning and workplace application.

Can you share examples of successful student experiences through these partnerships?

The documents highlight students like Dennis Hunter, who participated in KPS work-based learning and was hired by Schellinger Construction after graduation, now specializing in road and highway construction across Montana.

How many internships and work experiences has KPS facilitated?

The district has facilitated 250+ internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning connections for high school students, with 280+ student requests for internships for Summer 2025.

Implementation and Accountability

How will the community know funds are being used appropriately?

The district's financial reports are public documents that show exactly how funds are allocated and spent. The school board provides oversight of all financial decisions.

How were the levy amount and tax impact calculated?

The levy request is based on calculated program costs incorporating implementation data. The amount represents funding needed to sustain educational quality with inflation adjustments built in.

How does KPS maximize educational value from limited funding?

KPS invests a higher percentage of its budget in direct instruction compared to other AA districts. Central office spending is below the AA district average, while instructional spending is above average.

Additional Programs & Offerings

What unique educational opportunities does KPS offer?

KPS offers personalized learning, diverse electives, community partnerships, real-world experiences, and specialized career pathways from kindergarten through high school.

How do elementary and middle school programs connect to high school offerings?

The K-12 career pathway creates a seamless progression from early awareness activities in elementary school through exploration in middle school to preparation and implementation in high school.

How are programs aligned with workforce needs?

Programs are developed in partnership with 300+ local businesses to address actual workforce needs and provide students with relevant skills for in-demand careers.

This Levy Matters: Fast Facts

High School Levy

Funding Figures:

KPS is currently 90% funded, the lowest compared to other AA districts
The proposed levy aims to generate approximately $2.9M in funding
KPS per-student funding is $8,047 (lowest) compared to other AA districts ranging from $8,526 to $9,212

Budget Allocation:

KPS invests 5% more in high school instruction than the average AA district average
KPS invests 4% more in elementary instruction than the average AA district
KPS central office spending is 3% (below average AA district at 3.64%)

Tax Impact:

Average homeowner with $447,000 assessed value: $6.15/month or $73.80/year
Tax rates per $100,000 of assessed value: $1.38/month or $16.52/year
Current taxpayer rate: 47 cents per $1 in student funding, compared to highest AA district

K-12 Student Experience

District Statistics:

KPS serves more than 6,000 students at 12 schools
K-8 students from 13 partner districts graduate into the KPS high school system

Partnership Data:

300+ Flathead business and industry partners
15,000+ unique experiences for K-8 students
250+ internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning connections for high school students

Student Outcomes:

Students developing career/college direction earlier
Graduates securing skilled positions with local employers
First-choice placement in college or university

Sustainable Funding Required

20.5 high school teaching positions would be eliminated without levy
More than 100 high school course options would be reduced

This Levy Matter: Protecting the Student Experience

Without a high school levy, these primary areas of the student experience will be impacted in the 2025-26 academic year:

20.5 high school teaching positions will be eliminated.

This leads to greater class sizes and limits the innovative learning model of student-centered personalized learning.

More than 100 high school course options will be reduced - limiting pathways for career and college placement.

This places the student experience at risk of reducing access to the network of 300+ business and industry partners that provided 15,000+ unique student experiences and 250+ internships across all K-12 classes during the 2024-25 academic year.

With 90% funding further declining next year, KPS will be forced to phase out legacy offerings, such as:

• Agriculture Center & FFA
• Athletics and teams
• Trades classes, such as:
• Welding
• Mechanic Shop
• House Construction
• Internships and Apprenticeships
• Work Based Learning
• Business & Industry Partnerships
• Speech & Debate
• The Arts / Theatre / Music

This Levy Matters: Understanding the Financial Investment

HOW KPS COMPARES TO AA DISTRICTS

KPS is the lowest funded AA District in the state of Montana.

For 18 years, KPS has operated below full funding, and is currently 90% funded compared to other AA districts.

Our high schools can no longer maintain current levels of innovation and dynamic course offerings without a local levy.

Teaching positions will be eliminated, student course offerings greatly reduced, and successful placement in career and college after graduation will be at-risk.

HOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE FUNDED

Montana public schools use a funding structure that refers to a state-local relationship for funding “basic education needs.”

The state of Montana guarantees funding levels up to 80% for basic education needs.
Local voters are responsible for determining the remaining 20% through local levies.

A local levy is a normal mechanism for funding education in the state of Montana.

What is the 80% provided by the State of Montana?

Montana Legislature defines a "basic system of quality education" to include:

Educational programs specified by the Office of Public Instruction
Qualified and effective teachers
Educational programs to implement the content standards
Programs for students with special needs
Programs to address educational needs of at-risk students
Operations & maintenance of school facilities
Transportation systems

WHAT TAXPAYERS CURRENTLY PAY

INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER RATE WITH LEVY

This Levy Matters: Prioritizing Learning Over Admin & Operations

Despite being the lowest funded AA district, KPS invests a higher percentage of general funds into instruction - directly benefiting students.

As a percentage of total budget, KPS invests more into K-12 learning and instruction than the average AA district.

Central Office spending and salaries (Superintendent, Business, & Human Resources) is the lowest expenditure category at 3% for KPS, which is below the average AA district.

This Levy Matter: Student Outcomes Determine Community Success

Sustained Excellence Despite Funding Challenges

For 18 years, KPS has operated below full funding, and is currently 90% funded, the lowest compared to other AA districts. However, KPS has developed an innovative K-12 student experience that connects classroom learning to real-world opportunities through student-centered personalized learning and hands-on experiences in our community. As Montana's lowest-funded AA district, this high school levy represents a strategic investment in student outcomes and community success as KPS continues to focus on graduating students prepared for success in career and college.

Proven Student Success through Innovation

This year, KPS has worked with 300+ Flathead business and industry partners to create 15,000+ unique experiences for K-8 students and 250+ internships, apprenticeships, and work based learning connections for high school students.

These experiences are yielding measurable outcomes: Students are developing career and college direction earlier with graduates securing skilled positions with local employers and first-choice placement in college.

Cost-Effective Investment

Taxpayers currently pay 47 cents per $1 in student funding compared to the highest AA district. The high school levy is asking the average taxpayer to invest $6.15 a month or $73.80 a year. This breaks down to about $0.70 per-student funding for taxpayers, compared to the highest AA district at $1.

The size and population of Flathead County creates a lower-than-average tax burden per-student which brings down the average per-student funding rate and provides a greater value for taxpayers.

Economic Pipeline for Local Workforce

The K-12 student experience is a direct economic catalyst, connecting 6,000+ students with essential skills needed by 300+ local business and industry partners. Students develop direction and purpose earlier in their education, creating a sustainable talent pipeline that delivers community-wide benefits for local employers and the broader economy.

This Levy Matters: Scaling the KPS Community Network

The KPS K-12 Student Experience is guided by Personalized Competency Based Education (PCBE).

This innovative approach shifts learning from a traditional one-size-fits-all to a more flexible K-12 Student Experience that ensures graduates develop the essential skills needed to thrive in career, college, and community.

The K-12 Career Exploration Pathways is at the heart of the KPS student experience.

This journey progresses from initial exposure to hands-on workforce experiences that provide age-appropriate career development activities.