The fate of Kalispell's school system hangs in the balance as voters prepare to decide on a crucial high school levy. The levy, which has not passed in 18 years, would provide much-needed funding for essential programs and services that are at risk of being cut due to budget constraints.
Superintendent Upham warns that failure to pass the levy could lead to the elimination of 21 full-time positions, exacerbating an already strained system. Students like Vikram Vatti, Lucy Downey, and Nat Young are taking matters into their own hands by canvassing their community to raise awareness about the importance of passing the levy.
The levy's passage is crucial in addressing the growing need for academic support services, which Superintendent Upham notes are essential to help students meet higher performance expectations. A yes vote would increase taxes by approximately $73.80 per year for a home with a taxable value of $447,000, but supporters argue that this is a small price to pay for preserving the quality of education in Kalispell's schools.
The levy would preserve programs such as the AG Center, sports, music, theater, and speech and debate, providing necessary resources for students who face increasingly challenging curriculums.