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Two-Year Contract Reached Between
Kalispell Public Schools & Kalispell Education Association

Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) and the Kalispell Education Association (KEA) are proud to announce the ratification of a new two-year contract, marking the conclusion of nearly 280 days of negotiations that began in February 2024. 

The agreement was unanimously approved by the KPS Board of Trustees on November 19, then ratified by over 88% of KEA members on November 19. 

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• Improved Starting Salaries:
• 2024-2025: 13% increase to $43,375 (previously $38,385)
• 2025-2026: Additional 10% increase to $47,713
• Average salary increase of 4.64% across all experience levels
• Cost-of-Living Considerations:
• Addresses the unique challenges of the Flathead Valley, which has the second-highest median home prices in Montana at $652,090.
• Aims to bring Kalispell teacher salaries in line with the average among Montana's Class AA districts, addressing years of inflation-related wage erosion and dramatic increases in housing costs.

"This agreement represents our school community coming together to support the teachers who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of the children and families we serve," said Superintendent Matt Jensen. "Our dedicated teachers are recognized across the state as a model of excellence and deserving of the highest levels of support the district can provide. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve through collaborative effort and shared purpose while also recognizing the responsibility to manage our limited funding for the entire school community.”  

“In a survey last fall, 90% of our members indicated that starting teacher salaries were inadequate, and 93% felt overall compensation was insufficient,” said KEA Negotiations Chair Anthony Lapke. “Many educators have faced financial strain, from taking on second jobs to delaying major life milestones. This contract addresses those concerns and will help Kalispell educators stay and serve the students and families in the community that we love. Being average in Montana is a vast improvement, but the state ranks 42nd in the nation for average teacher pay. The state needs to invest in schools to ensure we can continue to retain and attract exceptional educators. Thriving public schools are the lifeblood of communities throughout the state.” 

Addressing Financial Challenges

The agreement acknowledges the district’s financial hurdles, including:

• The high school district being funded at only 90% due to nearly two decades without a levy passage.
• State funding mechanisms that cap inflationary increases below actual inflation rates.
• Increased insurance costs and the expiration of federal Covid-relief funds.
• A projected budget deficit that may lead to staff reductions.

Superintendent Jensen said the agreement “represents a collaborative effort to address critical priorities for educators, while recognizing the limited financial resources of the district.”

"We're at a critical juncture," Lapke said. "While this agreement honors our staff and creates a sustainable pay matrix, it is clear we need community support and state-level funding reforms to ensure long-term stability."

Looking ahead, KPS and KEA are committed to working together on deeper systemic issues:

• Advocating for improved state funding mechanisms.
• Exploring creative solutions for unique regional cost of living challenges.
• Engaging the community to support education initiatives.
• Ensuring Kalispell remains competitive in attracting and retaining exceptional educators.

KEA, representing 397 certified professionals, and KPS extend their gratitude to the negotiation teams, the Board of Trustees, and the entire staff for their dedication to providing high-quality education. This agreement is a step forward in ensuring educators can thrive in the community they serve while focusing on what matters most—our students.