Kalispell Public Schools - Regular Board Meeting - May 26th 2026

The Kalispell Public Schools Regular Board Meeting held on May 26, 2026, primarily focused on public comments addressing serious concerns about bullying and alleged mistreatment by teachers and administration at Elrod Elementary School. Several parents and students shared personal experiences of bullying, discrimination, and administrative inaction, leading to some students withdrawing from in-person attendance. The board advised following grievance policy 1700 for formal complaints. The meeting also included approval of personnel reports, notably the hiring of Marty Paa as principal at Russell Elementary. Discussions covered the approval of a new instructional coach position at the middle school level, funded by a transformational learning grant, with a planned three-year funding sunset. The board reviewed ongoing negotiations with certified and classified staff unions, highlighting budgetary challenges including a projected deficit of over $540,000 for fiscal year 2027 and the impact of state funding and levy outcomes on salary negotiations. The board emphasized transparency regarding funding sources for new positions and the complexity of school budgeting. Additionally, the meeting included routine procedural items such as canvassing election results, seating trustees, policy updates, and promotion of upcoming educational events. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.