Bigfork PTA back in action after hiatus

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

The Bigfork Schools' Parent Teacher Association is back in action five years after the last iteration of the group folded.

"Our big goal is to get more community involvement," said new PTA president Brandie Kittle.

Kittle said that, especially in the wake of the high school bond's failure earlier this year, it is more important than ever to boost volunteer ranks and have a group ready to welcome new families to the area.

This year, Kittle said, the group will focus on revamping the nutrition at both Bigfork schools.

"Montana is getting an 'F' right now," she said of the state's ranking in national school nutritional ratings.

"The main reason we're failing across the board is sodium, not sugar," she said.

Kittle said the PTA is working with local farmers and organic growers as well as trying to figure out ways to stay within the schools' budgets.

"It (nutrition) has been the only concern, parent-wise, that's come our way," she said. "So that's what we decided to take on."

Kittle was careful to note that the resurgent PTA would not take over the work being done by another local group, Friends of Bigfork Schools. FOBS main fundraiser, the Cowabunga Variety Show each spring brings in thousands for Bigfork schools that the group dishes out to a variety of academic programs and activities.

The PTA meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the elementary school library.