Keeping yourself and your family safe online has become a challenge for everyone these days, from concern over posts on social media to personal information being shared by others 
(friends or foes) there is considerable concern about how to manage this communication and ensure both our freedom and our careers.   Below are links to some resources and guidance to help manage this growing area of our lives.

Teachers filling boxes with new and gently used classroom supplies donated by fellow teachers and paid for with GFEA S.T.A.R. NEA Grant funding.   New teachers received a canvas tote filled with supplies (Postits, disinfectant wipes, pencils, nice teacher pens, etc.) plus some snacks (for the teachers).

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Monday night 7/21 the GFPS School Board approved the CBA with GFEA for 2025-26.    The new CBA includes a 4% salary increase for 2025-26 and a 3% increase for 2026-27 (these are minimums as the STARS act requirements involve the requirement that not teachers receive less than 11X the Quality Educator Pay or 70% of the average teachers salary for the District to receive the additional funds from the state).  Additionally all teachers at year 19 will also receive an additional $500 stipend in December of each year.     Other bargained items include compensation for Special Educators for students over specified numbers on their caseloads, and some stipends for extra and co-curricular compensation.   The new CBA will be posted on this website soon, so check back for the full details.

Tuesday afternoon GFEA Members gathered to listen to changes and proposed new salary schedule for 2025-27.   The members present voted to ratify the Contract and Salary Schedule which includes a 4% salary increase for 2025-26, and a 3% salary increase for 2026-27 and a longevity stipend for all teachers who will have taught for GFPS starting at year 19.   Thank you to those who attended and for your questions and comments prior to the vote.   The CBA now goes to the GFPS Board of Trustees for approval on July 21st at 5:30 PM.

      Members of the GFPS teaching staff are invited to the ratification meeting and members of GFEA will vote on the 2025-2027 proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement Tuesday June 24th at 4 pm at the Paris Gibson Education Center Cafeteria.    There will be a presentation of the proposed changes and salary matrix followed by question and answer session and vote of the membership on ratification.   If you have questions or need more information email us at [email protected].

Montana Legislature enacts changes to state and local flows of public school funding
Montana Free Press Article 5/12/2-25
​https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/12/montana-legislature-enacts-changes-to-state-and-local-flows-of-public-school-funding/

Dear GFEA/MFPE Members,
Looking for a flexible, fun way to stay engaged this summer, while earning
some extra income?
Opportunities, Inc. invites Great Falls educators to be part of Opportunities Adventure Camp—a
weekly, drop-in style day camp for children ages 6–11, running June 9 through August 26,
2025 (closed June 19 & July 4).
This is not a full-summer commitment! Campers come and go throughout the summer, and you
can too—choose the weeks that work for your schedule.
Why Join Us?
• Work the weeks you want—one week or many!
• Earn $20–$27/hour, based on experience.
• Free camp enrollment for your child (ages 6–11) during the weeks you work.
• No set curriculum, just a weekly theme and your creativity.
• Supportive team and engaging environment.
We’ll provide a theme and sample activities each week—you decide how to bring it to life!
Whether you love STEM, storytelling, nature, or hands-on art, you’ll have the freedom to shape
your week around your strengths and interests.

Opportunities Adventure Camp 2025 – Weekly Overview
Camp Dates: June 9 – August 26, 2025
Ages Served: Children ages 6–11
Closed: June 19 & July 4
Each week includes a mix of creative arts, STEM exploration, literacy, outdoor fun, and field
trips or guest visitors.
Sample Weekly Themes:
• Summer Fun Sampler – Carnival games, balloon rockets
• 🏕 Wilderness Explorers – Scavenger hunts, sun prints
• Creek Critters – Bug hunts, pond science
• Red, White & You! – Water play, parade day
• STEM Stars – Volcanoes, inventions
• Arts & Music – Clay, painting, chalk murals
• Around the World – Flags, cultural crafts
• Time Travelers – Fossils, DIY robots
Superheroes – Comics, zip lines
• Mini Builders – Towers, cardboard cities
• Celebrate & Explore – Memory murals, awards day

Interested or have questions?
Contact Bev Matsko at [email protected] or 406-761-0310

    the GFEA Executive Board interviewed the candidates for the three open School Board of Trustees positions this last week.   The committee has chosen to endorse Gordon Johnson, Paige Turoski, and Craig Duff for the three open positions.    We appreciate all of the candidates for their willingness to fill out questionnaires and meet for interviews with the GFEA Executive Board interview committee.    The endorsements are based on past records (for incumbents) as well as questionnaire answers and responses to interview questions.    The election will be a mail vote and ballots are scheduled to be in the mail starting April 21st with a deadline for all ballots on May 6th.   Voters are encouraged to hand deliver completed ballots (or put them in the mail no later than May 1st if mailed) to ensure that the May 6th deadline is met.   Ballots can be delivered to the Cascade County Elections office up until the day before elections, but can be dropped off at the Expo Park on May 6th.

      Great Falls Public Schools Election InformationThe Board of Trustees for School District No. 1 & A, Cascade County, State of Montana, will hold the Annual Regular School Election on Tuesday, the 6th day of May 2025.


The election will be conducted by: Mail Ballot

The purpose of the election is to elect three (3) trustees for a three-year term. 

Absentee ballots available and UOCAVA ballots mailed on: April 16, 2025.

Ballots will be mailed on: April 21, 2025.

Ballot Drop Box Times & Location: Beginning April 22 - May 5, Courthouse Annex lobby and Election Office at 325 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls. Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.

Election Day, May 6 Ballot Drop Box Times & Locations: 7am - 8pm, Courthouse Annex lobby at 325 2nd Avenue North and Exhibition Hall at Montana Expo Park, 400 3rd Street NW, Great Falls.

If returning your ballot by USPS, be sure to stamp the envelope and mail by May 1st.

Late Registration Ends: Monday, May 5 at noon at the Election office.

Election Day Registration: Tuesday, May 6 at Exhibition Hall only.