Construction begins on a $22 million elementary school in Kalispell, Mont.

The Columbia Falls (Mont.) District 6 board has approved a $21.97 million contract to build a new Glacier Gateway Elementary School in Kalispell.

NBC Montana reports that the new 88,000-square-foot elementary school is needed to resolve safety issues and heating and cooling deficiencies within the existing school. Other improvements include larger library and cafeteria spaces and improved technology.

Superintendent Dave Wick said the existing facility was originally built in 1940 and was in need of a significant upgrade. Only the north wing of the elementary will be demolished; the south half, which houses two gyms, will remain. 

Wick said the targeted completion on the school is the fall 2022; however, the date could be pushed back because of supply shortages in the lumber and steel markets.

Funding to build the school comes from a $37 million bond proposal approved by voters in 2019.

The builder is Swank Enterprises