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. 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. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. But one main reason is to give back to the community. Accommodating growth, utilizing resources efficiently and student mental health are important challenges our school district has been facing. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. 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.. Background: Current Vice Chair for Whitefish School District School Board. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. Quincy Bennetts is a Montana native who feels indebted to her community of Whitefish and also has an eagerness to put her own skills and personal qualities to use for the betterment of local public schools. Teachers/ Staff She acknowledges the challenges the pandemic caused in the educational setting, but also respects the decisions the district made by implementing the hybrid in person and online model. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. 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. Note that applications are not being accepted from your jurisdiction for this job currently via this jobsite. 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. In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. Business Teacher. He is an incurable do-it yourselfer, enjoys cooking and being outdoors and has won awards for his writing and his photography. copyright 2023 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).. To begin a new application, choose a job from the available listings below. 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. Over 300 course offerings are available to students who have an interest and aptitude to challenge them in a diverse curriculum taught by nationally known instructors. Would you like to continue working on this application? Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . 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. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. Jerrie Boksich was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended public schools. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. 312 E. Second Street Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners. 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. Whitefish, MT 59937 Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. Bennetts says she was inspired to run for school board for a number of reasons including wanting to help make sure every child has access to an excellent education. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay . Since then shes wanted to find a way she could leverage her skillset and contribute to the betterment of the community running for school board seemed like a great opportunity to do just that. She just opened her own studio called Whitefish School of Ballet and serves as the artistic director. Mrs. Kristine Yorba Secretary Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. I feel like I have the capacity and the will to give back., Secondly I really feel that childhood education sets the foundation for success in life.. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. 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. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. 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. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. While we cannot change the past, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and build a better future. 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. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. 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. Since then shes wanted to find a way she could leverage her skillset and contribute to the betterment of the community running for school board seemed like a great opportunity to do just that. I am a Whitefish native and graduate of Whitefish Schools; I greatly value the educational opportunities offered by our schools. Whitefish School District. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. Serving my community and being involved in building and shaping my community in positive ways is important to me. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work., copyright 2023 $790,000. 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).. Ms. Rachel Anderson . The biggest challenge is to meet the needs and bring kids to a place thats up to speed with what we can give them as far as care and nurturing.. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. After moving around a lot as a youngster himself, Diehls father was also in the Air Force, he wanted his two kids to attend one high school instead of moving several times. The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. I applaud the boards decision to use COVID recovery funds for mental health resources, and there should be continued effort to look at factors impacting students and solutions at a systemic level. I am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. 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.. Jerrie taught all grades in many classroom positions from K to 8, including 14 years of Gifted and Talented, curriculum development and teacher training. Emily Morrow believes that children are one of the most important demographics and has been committed to serving kids in many ways throughout her life. 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. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. Website Disclaimer. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Having lived in different places, and living in Seattle, we were looking for a place where we could have more of a direct impact on the community he said. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Privacy Policy Emails to trustees received after the business meeting is postedwill be included in the next business meeting packet. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. Support should materialize into meaningful accommodation. WHS students have the additional opportunity to take part in a variety of interest clubs: Weightlifting, Young Democrats, Math, National Honor Society, United Students, Key Club, Young Life, Computer Club, French and Spanish Clubs. Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. As real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. There should never be a policy void of faith and trust in the parents who love these children. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937. 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. 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. Parents should have ultimate power to remove their children from adverse educational influences particularly when debate isn't permitted. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. What is the most important issue(s) facing the Whitefish School District right now and how would you work to address it? I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. Unfortunately, this position is no longer available. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. 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.. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. Privacy Policy Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. P: (406) 862-8688 Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. 1118 East 7th St., 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). I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. My goal is to reunite our district with the common goal of doing what is best for our children, which is ultimately what is best for society as a whole. While most recently living in Seattle, his family was coming out to the Flathead Valley more often and developing a stronger desire to stay in Montana. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. But also with Whitefish Superintendent Dave Means only being a year into his new role and then a new principal starting at Muldown in the fall, she believes there will be challenges associated with the changes in leadership. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. 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. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. 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). 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. However she does believe a huge concern facing the school district is continuing to recover from the educational setbacks and emotional disturbances to students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. The district has 1,500 plus students housed in four facilities: Muldown Elementary (K-4), Whitefish Middle School (5-8), Whitefish High School (9-12), and our Independent High School which provides a non-traditional setting for grades 10-12. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . She had a great public schooling experience all the way from kindergarten through her postsecondary education at University of Montana, and knows her education has allowed her many opportunities in life. 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. that has not been submitted. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. P: (406) 862-8688 I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. Lastly she added that with skills shes obtained through her career combined with her hardworking attitude she knows she could make a positive impact if elected to the board. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Whitefish School District Back to top Whitefish independent High School Education Foundation About Whitefish Superintendent's Corner Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS Expansion Update Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster EMERGENCY School Closure Information Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. 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. Superior ratings are common for individual and group performances during district and state events. Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. Emily Morrow believes that children are one of the most important demographics and has been committed to serving kids in many ways throughout her life. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. She and her husband Joel Shehan have one son in third grade at Muldown Elementary and the family enjoys being in the outdoors, especially hiking and paddle boarding. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . Winter athletic programs for basketball has earned 3 state titlesboys (2), girls (1) and speech & debate (1). PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. 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. 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. Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; previously worked in agriculture, mortgage and commercial lending. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Ms. Victoria Buls. How do we all catch up after the last year to two years of interrupted educational experiences and make sure were serving all these kids not just their educational needs but the extreme stress and emotional burden that theyve been carrying, she said. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. Employment Opportunities. Job in Whitefish - Flathead County - MT Montana - USA , 59937. 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. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out on April 14 and arrive in voters mailboxes by next week. I just think theres lots of possibilities for us to continue to be innovative given the relatively small size and the support for education in Whitefish.. (Courtesy photos) Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot.
