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• Kalispell schools hoping levy passes this time around Play Video

  May 4, 2012 9:17 AM

  KALISPELL- An overwhelming majority of Kalispell voters rejected a high school building reserve levy last year, but that same measure is again back on the ballot. Kalispell school board members are optimistic people may vote differently on it this time around as they have been working over the past... more »

• Missoula teachers train on iPads Play Video

  April 30, 2012 8:44 PM

  MISSOULA- While Missoula County school students were home Monday, their teachers were learning in the classroom. For Franklin, Hawthorne, and Lowell school teachers, this meant training on new iPads. Every teacher at these schools will now have an iPad in their classroom thanks to an educational counseling grant. ... more »

• Polson School Board to decide on renewing two positions Play Video

  April 8, 2012 11:27 PM

  POLSON - There could be a contentious meeting on Monday night as the Polson School Board is slated to vote on the recommendation to renew the contracts for a principal and an assistant principal. The contracts of both Linderman Elementary School Principal Heather Jones and Assistant Polson High School... more »

• It's official: Stevensville school chief leaving

  April 5, 2012 8:50 AM

  HELENA- The Helena School Board met on Wednesday evening to finalize the contract for newly hired superintendent Kent Kultgen. Kultgen will start with the District July 1, 2012. However, he will be periodically traveling to Helena from Stevensville, where he currently serves as superintendent, during the interim to get... more »

• Apostle now 1 of 2 finalists for Spokane schools slot

  April 2, 2012 4:16 PM

  MISSOULA- Missoula County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alex Apostle is now one of two finalists for the superintendent position in Spokane. Apostle told Montana's News Station over the weekend that he will be interviewing for the position on April 11th and April 12th. Apostle took his position in... more »

• MT student welders, carpenters put to the test

  March 26, 2012 8:02 AM

  GREAT FALLS- Teens studying the trades industry had a chance to put their skills to the test in Great Falls on Friday ahead of an upcoming state competition. High school students will compete against their peers in carpentry and/or welding during the third annual Regional Skills USA competition. ... more »

• Polson to pay $120K to dismiss superintendent Play Video

  March 15, 2012 12:40 AM

  POLSON- The Polson School board called a special meeting Wednesday evening to finalize a settlement agreement with its now "former" superintendent, David Whitesell. Whitesell approached the board Monday seeking restitution for his claim that the Polson School District discriminated against him for his Native American heritage. Through a day-long... more »

• Education weighs in on the 2013 Budget

  February 21, 2012 5:35 PM

  President Obama's $3.8 trillion budget proposal is full of education initiatives and grants. The education portion of the 2013 budget outlines three priorities: improving college affordability and quality, reshaping the teaching profession and strengthening the connections between school and work. The administration is asking for $69.9 billion for... more »

• Spring hunter education classes scheduled for Kalispell

  February 21, 2012 5:30 PM

  KALISPELL- Spring hunter education classes are scheduled in Kalispell. Registration is Saturday, March 24th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Headquarters located on 490 North Meridian Road in Kalispell. Classes will be held at Flathead High School from 6-9 p.m. from April... more »

• MT Board of Education increases math & reading standards

  November 4, 2011 8:43 PM

  The Montana Board of Public Education voted on Friday to raise the math and reading standards in all public schools. Superintendent Denise Juneau says the old system required students to meet certain benchmarks at grades 4, 8 and 12. The new standards look at student achievement every year. Juneau... more »

• Busy times for new Whitefish school head Play Video

  September 23, 2011 9:59 AM

  WHITEFISH- The new head of schools in Whitefish has only been on the job for a few months, but Kate Orozco and the Whitefish School Board have been busy setting goals for the school year. Orozco officially took over as the new Whitefish Schools Superintendent at the beginning of... more »

• School board looks to ease Kalispell overcrowding Play Video

  September 14, 2011 8:43 AM

  KALISPELL- The Kalispell School District has seen an unexpected jump in the number of kindergarten through eighth grade students this year. The State Accreditation Standards class size limit is 20 students per teacher, but grades K-2 all have average class sizes that exceed that number and so the Kalispell... more »

• Reconfigured Libby schools back in session

  September 6, 2011 4:38 PM

  LIBBY- Schools are back in session at Libby's elementary and high school with district officials saying the biggest challenge they're facing this week is transportation. The new elementary school now holds grades K-6 while the high school grades 7-12. Libby Schools Superintendent Kirby Maki says bus routes along... more »

• Dr. Brad: Have a healthy start to the school year Play Video

  September 2, 2011 10:00 AM

  MISSOULA- School supplies and new clothes were on everyone's mind as kids recently returned to school across Western Montana, but Dr Brad Pickhardt took a look at another basic necessity for the new school year. We all know that a healthy child is more prepared to learn, but with... more »

• Missoula students heading back to school

  August 24, 2011 12:07 PM

  MISSOULA- Summer is quickly coming to an end for students across Western Montana, including in Missoula. The first day of school...if you can believe it...for Missoula County Public School students will be on Monday, August 29th. Students in the following elementary and middle schools begin classes on August 29th:... more »

• Demolition starts on old Huntley Project HS

  August 18, 2011 8:20 AM

  WORDEN- As Huntley Project prepares to open its new school next week, demolition started Wednesday morning on one of the district's oldest buildings. The demolition could have started earlier, but waited until after the Huntley Project all-class reunion two weeks ago, so former students could see it one last... more »

• Bozeman schools implement program to keep kids in school

  August 17, 2011 8:17 AM

  BOZEMAN- The Bozeman School District is taking the extra step to keep students in school and out of trouble. Bozeman Public Schools Superintendent Kirk Miller said they were looking for a way to help out significantly at risk students remain in school, and the solution they came to was... more »

• Montana school dropout rate falls

  June 7, 2011 1:55 PM

  There's some good news coming out Helena just as the 2010-2011 school year comes to a close with a newly release report showing that Montana's school dropout rate has fallen. The Montana Office of Public Instruction has released its 2010 Statewide Dropout and Graduate Report, which shows that the... more »

• Money approved for Kalispell school district programs Play Video

  May 25, 2011 9:04 AM

  KALISPELL- The Kalispell School Board had one more district levy to vote on Tuesday night and unanimously approved two adult mill levies at the elementary and high school levels. The increased mill levies will provide additional counseling services which will be used to target students who are at-risk for... more »

• Board of Regents decide to hike tuition 10% Play Video

  May 20, 2011 4:27 PM

  KALISPELL- This Legislative session hit Montana universities and four-year colleges across the state with a lack in funding, leaving the schools no choice but to raise tuition. Education officials say that he hardest part is finding a balance to maintain a quality education but still keep it affordable for students.... more »

• Montana education graduates struggle to find jobs Play Video

  May 19, 2011 7:33 PM

  MISSOULA- It's a profession you won't get filthy rich at and every year you may get the dreaded notice that you've been let go. Teaching is a profession of blood, sweat and tears, and it's growing in Montana. "I should have went into engineering or learn how to fix... more »

• Frenchtown School Dist. losing money, cutting employees

  May 18, 2011 6:09 PM

  FRENCHTOWN - The Frenchtown School District is cutting close to 10% of its workforce and its budget will be short thousands of dollars for next school year. Voters rejected a general fund levy of $175,000 on May 3rd which has forced school administrators to cut employees. Superintendent Randy... more »

• Kalispell schools still facing cuts Play Video

  May 18, 2011 10:28 AM

  KALISPELL - The Kalispell school board was able to avoid layoffs and drastic cuts to its athletics and activities program this year, and while the worst of the budget crisis may be over, the board is already facing another worry for next year. The fear that Kalispell activities and... more »

• Funding shortfall leads to Florence school layoffs Play Video

  May 17, 2011 10:34 PM

  FLORENCE- A number of employees in the Florence Carlton School District are resigning and retiring, but that hasn't stopped the school board from having to eliminate and downsize a few positions. Superintendent John McGee says they have had to lay off one kindergarten teacher, one third grade teacher and... more »

• MCPS looks ahead after levy requests pass Play Video

  May 17, 2011 10:18 AM

  MISSOULA- Montana's public schools are cutting their budgets to try to make up for lost state money and to prepare for the worst, the Missoula County Public School district notified 90 certified staff members back in March that they could lose their job. But, taxpayers approved school tax levies... more »

• PREVIEW: Voters back MCPS request, where the money will go

  May 16, 2011 12:28 PM

  MISSOULA- Nearly 90 Missoula County Public School teachers and certified staff spent over a month wondering if they'd have a job next year. The situation became a waiting game to see how much money the state legislature gave schools and whether voters approved requested levies. One Missoula third... more »

• High school students look at military academies, ROTC

  May 14, 2011 10:33 PM

  BILLINGS - High school students had a chance to speak with recruiters about opportunities in the military as the 2011 Academy and ROTC Day featured personnel from the military academies and college ROTC programs at the Army Reserve Center. Representatives from Montana's Congressional delegation also were available since academy... more »

• FVCC "firsts" in graduation Play Video

  May 13, 2011 5:47 PM

  KALISPELL- Flathead Valley Community College will congratulate its largest graduating class in school history Friday night, along the largest number of nursing graduates and the first class of scholar students. 388 FVCC students dress in cap and gown and graduate from the community college. It's the first time there... more »

• Juneau recommends new education standards

  May 12, 2011 9:00 PM

  HELENA- Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau is recommending that the state adopt the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Math. Right now there are only guidelines at the 4th, 8th and 12th grade levels. During a Board of Public Education meeting in Great Falls... more »

• New Kalispell school board members sworn in

  May 11, 2011 10:15 AM

  KALISPELL- The Kalispell School Board did some rearranging on Tuesday evening as they welcomed three new members to their board. John Michael Myers was elected to a three-year term on Kalispell's elementary board. Mark Twichel was elected to a two-year elementary position and Jack Fallon will fill a one-year... more »

• Grant awarded to FVCC science program

  April 29, 2011 10:22 PM

  KALISPELL- Flathead Valley Community College is receiving a national grant that will get students on their way to solving serious illness. The Science program at FVCC has been awarded the grant from the National Science Foundation and the Program for Advanced Technology Education. Biology professor Ruth Wrightsman, the grant... more »

• Lolo School District hopes voters approve levy Play Video

  April 29, 2011 8:24 PM

  LOLO - Lolo School District is one of the few in the state that was able to renew non-tenured teachers' contracts for the 2011-2012 school year, but district officials say they still need a levy for day-to-day operations. The district wants voters to approve a general fund levy that... more »

• Missoula schools seeking approval of 4 levies

  April 29, 2011 11:54 AM

  MISSOULA- The Missoula County Public School district is asking voters to help maintain its buildings and keep more teachers. MCPS is running a building reserve levy and an operations levy for elementary schools and high schools. The building reserves replace two expiring levies and funds would go directly toward... more »

• Whitefish schools seek money to avoid layoffs

  April 27, 2011 3:44 PM

  WHITEFISH- The upcoming Flathead County election may be Whitefish School District's last chance to avoid faculty layoffs for next year. The Whitefish School District is requesting two levies in next week's election, at both the elementary and high school level. Whitefish School District Superintendent Jerry House says these... more »

• Lolo School among those seeking voter's help

  April 26, 2011 2:25 PM

  LOLO- The ballots have all been sent out and you can Lolo voters to the list of those in Western Montana who will be deciding the fate of a school levy request. The mail-in ballots are due back on May 3rd and local voters are being asked to weigh... more »

• Proposed budget deal to help fund MT education Play Video

  April 25, 2011 6:58 PM

  MISSOULA - One of the major concerns with this year's legislative session in Helena is what will happen to funding for education. If the budget deal the Governor struck with key GOP lawmakers last Friday passes, it would restore the federal money and will help fund education. Governor Brian... more »

• Local group working to help Western Montana schools

  April 22, 2011 2:58 PM

  MISSOULA - A group of businesses and community leaders want to make the future bright for students and are encouraging people to vote "yes" on the upcoming school levies. Friends of Public Education organization's first project is to help Missoula County Public Schools pass proposed K-12 levies. The group... more »

• Study: Preschool education reduces crime Play Video

  April 21, 2011 6:00 PM

  MISSOULA - A recently released study shows that children who participate in early education, such as Head Start, are less likely to commit crimes when they're older. The Missoula Police chief is among 60 of Montana's law enforcement leaders helping to reduce crime in the state. "Officer Buckle,... more »

• One Class at a Time: Alberton School Play Video

  April 18, 2011 2:52 PM

  ALBERTON- The Outdoor Program at Alberton School has been teaching kids about the great outdoors for over 30 years and thanks to the latest One Class at a Time grant, the program can continue for many more. The $250 grant from Allegiance Benefit Plan Management and Montana's News Station... more »

• MT Legislature moving ahead on education funding

  April 10, 2011 11:01 AM

  HELENA- The Montana Senate is moving ahead on the Republican plan to fund K-12 education in the Treasure State. House Bill 611 is a policy statement which provides for a 2% inflationary increase in school funding. Some critics of the bill say that while every other agency is receiving... more »

• National Indian Education programs hope to duplicate Montana's success Play Video

  April 10, 2011 9:47 AM

  GREAT FALLS- Native American tribes from across Montana are in Great Falls this weekend, discussing the future of Indian Education. "We have a tremendous amount of data telling us where our deficiencies are for native students, but not enough investment in data and research to show what works," said... more »

• Boulder school reports success with 4-day week

  April 8, 2011 8:13 PM

  BOULDER- It's been two years since students in Boulder have been attending a four-day school week, and the two-year test trial has worked out so well that the school board may decide to make it permanent. The new schedule means that school starts at 8 am sharp and ends... more »

• Hungry Horse school closure looms, parents weigh options Play Video

  April 6, 2011 11:12 AM

  HUNGRY HORSE- The Columbia Falls school district is cutting Canyon Elementary School from their budget after this year and that means school is out...forever. The board determined the move would help save nearly $400,000 of debt, but now parents in Hungry Horse are left wondering where to send their... more »

• Canyon school parents invited to Martin City meeting

  April 5, 2011 5:39 PM

  HUNGRY HORSE- Canyon Elementary School will be closing its doors permanently at the end of this school year and that's left some parents wondering where their children should go to attend class. West Glacier Elementary School officials will be at Martin City Head Start to provide information about their... more »

• MCPS asks taxpayers to support schools in 4 levies Play Video

  March 31, 2011 12:43 AM

  MISSOULA- Missoula County Public Schools trustees are frustrated state lawmakers have not made a decision about school funding. During a special board meeting Wednesday, one trustee said they now have to "leap before they look" by estimating how much money they'll need from taxpayers in order to meet the... more »