Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes two operational hires to bolster data and maintenance workflows
Summary
Trustees approved a data systems specialist and a workflow/process-lead position to improve district data cohesion, maintenance ticketing and operations; funding for the data role was proposed to be split 50/50 across two districts and trustees discussed salary, qualification and cybersecurity scope.
The Kalispell board voted Jan. 27 to approve two new operational positions: a data systems specialist and a workflow/process lead to support maintenance operations.
Matt presented the proposals, saying the data systems specialist is intended to create a single "source of truth" across HR, finance and IT by mapping workflows, standardizing data and reducing person-dependence across departments. He said the position is the top operational recommendation after a multi-year review and that funding for the position would be split 50/50 between the two districts.
Chris, who spoke in support of the data role, said the district maintains "hundreds of thousands of student records" and needs a specialized position to ensure systems talk to one another in real time. Trustees asked about cybersecurity responsibilities; one trustee asked whether the new position also carried cybersecurity duties and whether additional staff would be needed. Administration said cybersecurity remains an important consideration and that the job description could include coordination with IT directors.
Trustees raised concerns about advertised qualifications and pay. A trustee noted the job advertisement listed a minimum of an associate’s degree and a $70,000 salary; another trustee said that starting salary for teachers can be below that level and voiced concern about perception and workforce competition. Administration responded that the district sought flexibility to attract candidates with appropriate experience, including self-taught specialists, and that regional market rates influenced the advertised level.
The workflow/process lead position was presented as a practical operations role to improve maintenance ticketing, central purchasing and efficiency. Administration said a dedicated workflow lead would allow maintenance directors to focus on field supervision while centralizing ticket triage and supply management.
Both positions were moved, seconded and approved by the board. Administration said hiring will proceed with an eye toward competitive recruitment and that job descriptions may be refined for clarity on cybersecurity scope and minimum qualifications.
What's next: HR will post the positions and begin recruitment; the administration will clarify job language regarding cybersecurity responsibilities and the advertised qualifications before finalizing postings.
