I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable., copyright 2023 I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. Theres people who have been on the board and dedicated educators who are in the trenches that I want to hear from to learn what they view as the priorities first.. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. Children are the future of our country, and I believe it is essential for their success to provide them with a solid educational foundation that is instruction-based and not agenda-driven. Her post high school education included an undergraduate degree in History from University of Puget Sound (2006) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University (2012). Terms of Use | (Courtesy photos) Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. Muldown elementary School. From the outside looking in, Whitefish is a contentious area because we have so many people strongly anchored in opposing beliefs. The overwhelming majority of our students are involved in clubs and sports our kids and our schools are thriving and I believe that is at least partially due to a dedicated school board. Their son Porter attends Muldown Elementary. The board should support all parents, despite personal differences. I feel this pay it forward, as far as Im incredibly grateful for my career and my education that I received as part of a Montana public school system that allows me to have the life I have today; I want that for every kid.. Currently Jerrie is also serving on the Alpine Theater Project Board of Directors. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. copyright 2023 But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, I have a lot of skills and different perspectives and talents to offer in my service so I just felt really strongly that I should jump into that Kearns said. To view and listen to the School Board Meeting, a video link will be available the day of meeting. As the election approaches, Kearns hopes voters will keep in mind that although shes new to living in Whitefish, she understands the community and just has a desire to serve for the betterment of local education. Of course were outdoor enthusiasts, so that was the first appeal; then the great schools, the fantastic gym, the theater, the awesome town, the airport. The family enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors and fishing, Lengacher himself says given a free day he would be out on a river fly fishing. But one main reason is to give back to the community. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. Pet exams oftentimes turn into conversations about our lives, families and various community topics. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. Utilizing resources efficiently can be challenging. Individual fall sports and their state titles; cross country girls (3)football (1)girls golf (16) and boys (12)soccer boys (3), girls (2)volleyball (6). P: (406) 862-8620 We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. Whitefish, MT 59937 1118 East 7th St., Whitefish, MT 59937 P: (406) 862-8620 F: (406) 730-2176 Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. Background: Bachelors in sociology at Stanford University, volunteer mediation and board member Harvard Mediation Program, data management for evaluation department in educational nonprofit, directing and teaching after school leadership program, currently working in the service industry, Girl Scout troop leader, producing and acting in a play with Montana Art Theater, board member of CRYJ (Center for Restorative Youth Justice). The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. Family, educational and community involvement are Jerries passions. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. The use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. 312 E. Second Street It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Note that applications are not being accepted from your jurisdiction for this job currently via this jobsite. Teachers/ Staff She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. As a current board member, my interest in this position begins with my strong belief in our public school system and our community as a whole. I am a Whitefish native and graduate of Whitefish Schools; I greatly value the educational opportunities offered by our schools. What really drew me here was the people that live here they have these wonderful qualities of really fierce independence and strength, coupled with a very strong sense of community, Kearns said. Listed on 2023-03-02. They have been involved in the Whitefish Winter Carnival in many capacities for 30 years including serving as the King and Queen of the carnival in 2016. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. I think the school district did a great job taking it really seriously, doing its homework and trusting in data and science, which I really appreciate, Lengacher said. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 E Second St Whitefish, MT. We must eradicate the pop politics of the public square to preserve their innocence so they can put their energy into building skills to achieve after high school and build a life for themselves. The election is May 4 and the mail-in . I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). As an accomplished soccer player, I have helped local soccer teams by assisting in coaching. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Whitefish Bay School District is a top performing district in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Having spent so much time in education and that I am connected to it in different ways, going back to the thread of wanting to be involved in the community its a pretty obvious way given my work experience, he said. Whitefish, MT 59937 Terms of Use | I am not only familiar with all the topics that need to be addressed, but I will also continue to put my energy into providing a welcoming and enriching education for all students and creating a positive working environment for our staff. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . Whitefish, MT 59937 Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. He also currently serves on the North Valley Food Bank and Whitefish Education Foundation boards, and is the executive director of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwest Montana program. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. When considering the issues facing the school district, COVID and continuing to adapt to the issues arising from the pandemic is definitely on her mind, she notes. If elected he says his first task would just be to listen to the issues at hand and learn from the trustees, administrators and community members. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. But one main reason is to give back to the community. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. During the pandemic, a group of average, common people on the school board unanimously took unprecedented action to usurp control from parents over their children's bodies. F: (406) 862-2586, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support, Community Survey for Whitefish High School Expansion Extended, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining Meeting. If you want to view and listen to the meeting via mobile device, you are encouraged to install the Zoom app. I believe the most important issue facing the district right now is whether it has lost the ability to protect the kids from political divisiveness within the community and the country. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. 1118 East 7th St., As much as anything, I want to leverage my experience with schools and with boards to build the best and highest functioning board we possibly can.. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. From his service in the military he has a vast amount of senior leadership experience, most notably in the U.S. Embassy in two different countries Thailand and Bolivia. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. MA Technology and Learning WGU. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. (Provided photos). P: (406) 862-8688 He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. And looking forward he would welcome contributing to the board as a trustee as they make further decisions regarding the pandemic, such as decisions involving vaccinations. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. Whitefish, MT 59937 I have served four months as a school trustee, mentored students by providing shadowing experiences in the veterinary field and volunteering annually for Expanding Your Horizons, a national STEM event to introduce girls to careers and role models in their communities. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. Listing for: Whitefish School District. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. Written public correspondence can be submitted by emailing the Trustees at trustees@whitefishschools.org or by a written letter sent to the Whitefish School District Trustees at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, MT 59937. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community My children will be attending school in the Whitefish district for the next 13 consecutive years. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. If elected he says his first task would just be to listen to the issues at hand and learn from the trustees, administrators and community members. Todd Lengacher is honored to join the board in the spring of 2021. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. You may choose to opt-out of ad cookies. In addition to working in education in Seattle, Vermont, and Montana, Todd worked at a school in Spain and developed educational and community-based programming in South & Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. P: (4069 862-8600 Free administrative/clerical job search site: School Secretary job in Whitefish Montana, USA. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Kearns and her family moved to Whitefish in September 2020, although they have been coming to the area to visit often since her husbands family has owned a cabin in Essex for many years. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. Study after study reveals that every school that is really excelling, by whatever metric, has a board that is excellent by every metric, he says. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937. I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. (Enter less keywords for more results. They have an 8 year old daughter who loves horseback riding and her friends. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. Whitefish School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. $570,000. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. Whitefish, MT 59937 Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. P: (406) 862-8650 Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. When I talk about moving here and being in the school district, I understand that those values exist here, and I want to guard those and keep those.. District Calendar 22-23 rev_1-11-22.pdf (38 KB) I dont know what all our needs are right now, so first of all I want to be a sounding board and listen and learn, Diehl said. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . For public correspondence to be published within the school board business meeting materials, it must be received by 3:00 PM on the Friday before the scheduled monthly business meeting. 312 E. Second Street He added that other priorities for him as a trustee would include ensuring quality teaching materials and a supportive standardized curriculum for teachers, empowering kids to make their own decisions, supporting extracurricular programs and improving communication in parent-teacher relationships across the district. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. 600 East 2nd St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . The election is in person this year and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 3 for residents to cast their vote. Privacy Policy I think theyre one of the most important demographics that we have and the best investment is in the development of a child, she added. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. There should never be a policy void of faith and trust in the parents who love these children. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. Whitefish, MT 59937 High school enrollment is already nearing capacity. Three years ago the outdoor-loving family visited Whitefish and Glacier National Park while looking for a location to call home after Diehl retired from the military. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 2023-2024 Incoming Freshmen Q & A The WHS Counselors will be available at the Junior High Parent Teacher Conferences on 3/2/3023, to answer any questions you may have regarding your student's high school registration. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. One of the things that drew her to Whitefish, which she discovered on a ski vacation with friends, was that people were friendly and the community. And out of the variety of ways to participate in building and shaping my community, serving on the school board is a great fit given my skills and experiences. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar. Please select a different job from those listed below. Education Factions Emerge in Whitefish School Board Race With five candidates seeking two seats on the Whitefish School District Board of Trustees, one candidate's profanity-laced email. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Thats something she believes every child should have. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. Background: Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota; Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College; Former CEO and CFO of multiple dental offices; former President and VP of Austin Youth Hockey Association; former assistant high school hockey coach; former volunteer EMT and firefighter; volunteer for North Valley Search and Rescue. In the past year just seeing the way public discourse has evolved and how relationships in our communities have become so fractured, it made me rethink waiting (to get involved).. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. Date: Mar 21. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. Whitefish School District and the surrounding community is bordered by the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley communities of Columbia Falls and Kalispell. She and her husband, Ray, both taught in the Whitefish schools for their entire teaching careers. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. Would you like to continue working on this application? F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. As a board, we must continue to provide stability and continuity in our schools as well as realistic and open discussions about anxiety, depression and suicide. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. I think that is a really important skill set that Im bringing to the table because our job on the school board is listening to a bunch of varied positions and opinions of people that are not agreeing with each other, Kearns said.