Venture Boldly

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Join us for a conversation with Matt Jensen, the new superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools, as he shares his vision for the district. You'll discover how Matt's focus on personalized competency-based education aims to empower students and enhance learning outcomes. Despite grappling with budget issues and the complexities of school funding, his enthusiasm for the progress being made and the commitment of the staff shines through.
Curious about how rising housing costs are affecting local school-age populations and educational models? We bring you insights from the long-range facility planning study, revealing demographic projections and school growth trends in the Flathead Valley. Hear about the innovative approaches of Pace Academy and Rising Wolf Charter schools, which offer flexible scheduling and work-based learning opportunities.
The cost of living poses significant challenges for both educators and the broader community in the Flathead Valley. Matt emphasizes the urgent need to improve teacher salaries and benefits to attract and retain quality educators. We dive into the critical role community support plays in school funding and the importance of effective communication about funding mechanisms like levies and bonds. Through personal anecdotes and an exciting initiative involving community visits to schools, we highlight the vital need for community engagement to ensure sustainable educational funding. Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive overview of the future of Kalispell Public Schools and the collaborative efforts needed to support it.

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | [email protected]

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Local Control. Local Values.

Join us as we tackle a pressing topic impacting Kalispell Public Schools—the upcoming high school levy vote. This episode features enlightening discussions with Matt Jensen, Superintendent, and Jinn Merriman, a dedicated school board trustee and parent. Together, we explore how this levy directly affects our students, families, and community as a whole.
Listeners will gain insights into the vital role local levies play in providing quality education, funding critical programs, and ensuring that our schools can continue to thrive. You’ll learn about the potential ramifications of not passing the levy—including the loss of teaching positions, reduced course offerings and increased class sizes that could hinder student success.
Investing in our schools supports workforce readiness and strengthens the community. This episode invites listeners to get involved, share knowledge, and advocate for the future of Kalispell education.
Don’t miss this important conversation.

Kalispell Public Schools: Home - Kalispell Public School District 5

Podcast guests:

Matt Jensen: With two decades of dedicated service in public education, Matt has established his standing as a proven leader committed to shaping a brighter future for our students. Matt embarked on his career as a high school Social Studies Teacher and concurrently served as the MEA/MFT Union Co-President, a testament to his commitment to both administrative leadership and hands-on education. He went on to serve in roles including High School Principal, Elementary School Principal, and Superintendent of Bigfork Schools, before joining Kalispell Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent, later being named Superintendent starting with the 2024-2025 school year. Matt shares, "Being entrusted with other people's children and community resources has been the most humbling honor of my life. My roots, both personal and professional, run deep in the Flathead Valley. It's challenging to find the words to describe what it feels like to serve the children of my friends, family, colleagues, and the community that once invested in me."

Jinn Mariman: Jinnifer Mariman was born and raised in Libby, Montana and went to law school to help folks like those in her hometown who were exposed to asbestos. Jinn is doing just that as partner at McGarvey Law. Her husband Gabe co-owns Bias Brewing. Together they have two daughters in Hedges Elementary and have been committed to our community through various boards and efforts. Viewing our public education is one of our greatest public resources, Jinn became a Trustee for Kalispell Public Schools in May 2023. She is proud to serve our community in that role.

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | [email protected]

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Ever wondered how military training influences leadership in the corporate world? In this episode, we welcome Phil Quigley, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned consultant, who shares his insights on leadership drawn from his diverse career across various industries. Phil’s unique journey—from pioneering roles at Atari and Yahoo to his work with veterans—provides a compelling narrative about the intersection of military discipline and effective business leadership.
Phil delves into the core principles of accountability, trust, and adaptability. He reflects on pivotal moments from his military and corporate experiences, offering lessons on the importance of quality over expediency in decision-making. Phil also passionately discusses the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers and how employers can support them better.

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | [email protected]

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If you've ever questioned the traditional education model and wondered how we can better prepare students for the real world, then this episode is for you. We sit down with Mike Kelly, the Work-Based Learning Director for Kalispell Public Schools, who is at the forefront of transforming education through personalized learning and work-based opportunities. Mike shares a fascinating perspective on why students should have a voice in their educational journey, and how competency can be demonstrated in creative and engaging ways. He also gives us an insider's view into the Kalispell Public Schools' groundbreaking Transformational Learning Initiative.
Moving away from the classroom, we turn our attention to the world of work and the role of work-based learning in developing key life skills. Mike and I share some success stories of students who have excelled in their internships and discuss the promising impact of the upcoming Center for Career Discovery. We delve into the dynamic business environment of the Flathead community, thanks largely to the efforts of the Kalispell Chamber, and celebrate the accomplishments of two students thriving in their plumbing apprenticeships. This episode will inspire you to think differently about education and the opportunities available to students today.
Kalispell Public Schools: https://www.sd5.k12.mt.us/
The Salty Calf: https://www.thesaltycalfmt.com/
The Venture Boldly Podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | [email protected]

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Curious about the massive transformation happening at Glacier Park International Airport? Join us on Venture Boldly as we visit with Airport Director Rob Ratkowski, who provides an insider's look at the ambitious expansion project. With the airport nearly tripling in size to 210,000 square feet, you'll get a front-row seat to the exciting new amenities, including the Goat Haunt Saloon, outdoor patio spaces, and the Flathead Valley's first escalators. Learn how these enhancements, set for completion in June 2026 with phased openings, will revolutionize the passenger experience and meet the growing demand.
But it's not just about new terminals and features. Rob breaks down the broader significance of GPIA as a vital piece of public infrastructure, akin to an interstate highway. Discover the logistical and practical challenges the airport faces as it navigates substantial passenger growth and the necessity to remain open to all aeronautical users. From the intricacies of airport operations to future growth plans and communication strategies with air carriers, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to manage and expand a key transportation hub in a bustling tourist region.
Links:
Iflyglacier.com
gpiexpansion.com

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | [email protected]