Why Support the Levy?
The last elementary levy passed in 2023, but rising costs and a structural funding disparity mean the district must ask voters for continued support in 2026.
The Kalispell elementary district operates a separate budget from the high school district and serves 2,906 students at Kalispell Middle School, and out 6 elementary schools (Hedges, Edgerton, Rankin, Russell, Elrod and Peterson).
Because state law caps elementary class sizes, the district is required to employ 12 additional teachers compared to what it would need otherwise — yet it receives approximately $1,500 less per student in state funding than the high school district, creating a $5.06 million funding gap.
The elementary levy funds salaries, benefits, insurance, and basic operations — the essentials that keep classrooms running.
What happens if we don’t pass the May 5th levy?
• The district has already cut elementary teachers — our class sizes are as high as they can be without losing accreditation. The district has also combined two grade-level classes (combo classes) within smaller schools to maximize class size. Teachers' salaries make up 91% of the budget. There is nothing left to cut.
• If this levy doesn't pass, the district won't be able to pay teachers what they need to live in this community. Many teachers already work second and third jobs during the school year just to make ends meet.
