Kalispell Education Foundation and Stockman Bank Honor Three Essential School Personnel of the Year

The Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF), in partnership with Kalispell Public Schools (KPS), is proud to announce the 2026 Essential Personnel of the Year recipients: Kerri Schultz of Edgerton Elementary, Kim Nolan of Glacier High School, and Daniel Cadigan of Rankin Elementary.

Each employee was surprised with the honor at their respective schools in recognition of their outstanding service to students and staff.

This award, sponsored by KEF's generous partner Stockman Bank, celebrates the many professionals across our district who help create safe, supportive, and thriving learning environments. Each recipient receives $250 for personal use, courtesy of Stockman Bank, as a show of appreciation for the tremendous difference they make each day.

We are deeply grateful to the many students, staff members, families, and community members who took the time to submit thoughtful nominations. The outpouring of appreciation for KPS essential personnel was inspiring. While only three individuals are selected for this particular recognition, every nomination tells a story of dedication and impact.

If you submitted a nomination and granted permission for us to share your words, please know that we will send those quotes directly to your nominee.

Please join us in congratulating Kerri, Kim, and Daniel, and in celebrating the many staff members across Kalispell Public Schools who help ensure our students learn and grow in environments filled with care, commitment, and community.

With gratitude,

Kalispell Education Foundation & Kalispell Public Schools

Kerri Schultz – Edgerton Elementary

Kerri Schultz, Paraprofessional at Edgerton Elementary, is known for her compassion, patience, and steady support of students.

Colleagues shared that she has a special gift for building trust with students who need extra care, helping them feel safe, supported, and capable.

She is often entrusted with some of the highest-need learners and approaches that role with consistency, professionalism, and a genuine heart for kids – helping students not just get through challenges but truly grow.

Kim Nolan – Glacier High School

Kim Nolan, Math Paraprofessional at Glacier High School, has impacted students through her patience, creativity, and deep content knowledge.

One student shared, "I have been a student of Mrs. Nolan's for about three years, and she has helped me tremendously with math and learning in general. I have always been a slower learner, and she has been so patient with me, while also providing me with different learning styles. Mrs. Nolan works so hard and you can tell she is passionate about what she does, along with caring for us students."

Daniel Cadigan – Rankin Elementary

Daniel Cadigan, Lead Custodian at Rankin Elementary, is celebrated for the positive relationships he builds with students and staff throughout the building.

Nominators noted that Dan goes well beyond maintaining a safe and welcoming school by bringing joy and connection to the school culture.

From participating in special events and reading with students to stepping in wherever help is needed, he creates a sense of belonging that students and staff appreciate and remember.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Each year, Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF) recognizes employees at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels through two annual awards: Teacher of the Year and Essential Staff of the Year. KEF thanks Stockman Bank for generously sponsoring this award and helping bring valuable and deserved attention to the dedication and hard work of our public school employees.

Invest in students. Empower teachers. Strengthen our community.

As the new school year begins, it’s a wonderful time to show your support for our students and the educators who make learning possible.

Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) provides a high-quality educational experience to over 6,000 students in the Flathead Valley. At the same time, every KPS school qualifies for free meals, highlighting the real financial needs among our students. Taxpayer dollars play a crucial role in our schools, but unique needs and opportunities often arise that exceed school budgets.

A gift to Kalispell Education Foundation will:

	Empower Students You help narrow the opportunity gap for students by providing access to learning experiences outside of the walls of the classroom, such as field trips and college visits, and becoming a champion for equality in education.
	Support Teachers and Staff Great educators inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Your gift provides special classroom materials, access to professional development opportunities, and teacher appreciation.
	Enrich Programs Education goes beyond textbooks and traditional classroom instruction, and this is being addressed with more enthusiasm than ever in KPS. Donor gifts support art, music, literacy, STEM, physical wellness, and special education initiatives that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and career and college readiness.
	Strengthen the Community The success of Kalispell Public Schools directly affects the families, local businesses, and quality of life in Kalispell. By investing in education, you invest in our future leaders and the prosperity of our valley.
	Maximize Your Gift When you give during the Great Fish Community Challenge, you not only have the opportunity to make a gift to up to 85 nonprofits with a single donation, Whitefish Community Foundation also provides a percentage match donation to the first $25,000 raised!

Together we reached over 4,800 students this year

Because of our community’s generosity, this year we supported 4,800 students and 200 teachers through 42 classroom grants. These grants fueled hands-on science, literacy growth, outdoor learning, and creative opportunities. And that is only one part of the story. Through all our programs, the Kalispell Education Foundation reached even more students, inspiring curiosity and confidence across our schools.

We’re thrilled to share our first-ever Gratitude Report, a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together and a glimpse at the growing impact your generosity makes possible.

Thank you for believing in our students, our teachers, and the future of Kalispell. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for learning and opening doors to brighter futures.

View 2024-2025 Report