Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. 406-862-3505. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. 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).. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 E Second St Whitefish, MT. P: (406) 862-8688 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. 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. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. 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. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Editor's note: This Q&A article was compiled by Whitefish Pilot editor Whitney England. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. Whitefish Bay School District is a top performing district in Wisconsin and the Midwest. The Whitefish School District Education Foundation is a community based non-profit fund raising organization established to maintain and enhance the educational opportunities, programs and standards of the Whitefish School District. (Courtesy photos). 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. 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. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. Whitefish Middle School Back to top Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster The Bulldog Buzz She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. Ms. Rachel Anderson . Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Background: Born and raised in Whitefish, graduating from Whitefish High School in 2002; Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. The interaction features such as share screen, chat, unmute, raise hand, are not enabled. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. 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. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. Drama students in both the middle and high school have opportunities to participate in one act plays, full production plays, and may be viewed by students and by the community alike on several performance dates. Staff Directory Photo Album Contact Us Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information Positions open: 3 Term: 3 years Deadline for candidate filing: Thursday March 23, 2023 at 4:30pm at the District Office As the pandemic narrative on masking and jabs unravels, it's clear our children were subject to political agendas and not health measures. Whitefish, MT 59937 First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. Time: 6:00 PM. 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. I come from a long line of teachers as well, children are just extremely important. Speech and Debate activities offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of competitive events at both the local and state level. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. Lengacher added that he believes all involved in the school district right now are doing wonderful things, but given the support for schools in Whitefish the door is wide open for even more improvements. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. 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. He and his wife were married on their family property on Flathead Lake and eventually moved to Whitefish in 2018. 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. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. Whitefish High School Back to top Block Schedule Classes/Homework Staff Directory Photo Album Contact Us Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS PRINCE FREY & PRINCESS FREYA ARE COLBY WHARTON & COLE PICKERT!!! 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.. She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. If elected, Lengacher says other priorities would include understanding the impact that the pandemic has had on education and also how its accelerated the income, education and Access gap within the community. Type any part of the Job Title, Job Type, or Job Location to Search, Director of Student Services (Beginning 23/24), PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s). Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. The election is May 4 and the mail-in . The use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out on April 14 and arrive in voter's mailboxes by next week. Vocal Music Students begin their quest for vocal music at Muldown Elementary and Whitefish Middle School show casing their talents at local district and building level events. Its time to bring back compassion, kindness and compromise to the table, fostering relationships along the way. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. 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. Several students have displayed their skills and talents by playing in the Glacier Symphony and Chorale which performs across the Flathead County. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. Note that applications are not being accepted from your jurisdiction for this job currently via this jobsite. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. Parents should have ultimate power to remove their children from adverse educational influences particularly when debate isn't permitted. A Whitefish native, Elizabeth has called Whitefish home for 38 years. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. 312 E. Second Street Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. 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. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . 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. I am running for the Whitefish School Board to bring the community together with a common goal of protecting the innocence of children while ensuring they have access to a quality education. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. 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. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. 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. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. 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.. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. that has not been submitted. Staff. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. 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. Accommodating growth, utilizing resources efficiently and student mental health are important challenges our school district has been facing. $570,000. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. She and her husband love living in Whitefish where they enjoy skiing, being out on the lake, and being part of a special community where we're all neighbors working together for the greater good. National award winners have had their works displayed via the national duck stamp for the U.S. After living in a few different locations they came back to Whitefish in 2003. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. 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. Ballots for those registered as absentee should have already hit the mailboxes in Whitefish and are due back to the Whitefish School District Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 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. 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.. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . Community service projects are greatly encouraged. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. 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. 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. Diehl says one of his strongest qualities that he would contribute to the board is his ability to listen and his desire to hear all points of the issue before making any recommendations. My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. Whitefish, MT 59937 Terms of Use | Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay . Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. Jerrie taught all grades in many classroom positions from K to 8, including 14 years of Gifted and Talented, curriculum development and teacher training. You have an incomplete application for Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 I will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. You have an incomplete application for Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. 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. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondenceat the next school board business meeting. Wfbschools.com - Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. Parents and teachers should be allowed and encouraged to have input, and their concerns should not be ignored. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? The recent pandemic has resulted in a very divided community. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. Thats something she believes every child should have. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Winter athletic programs for basketball has earned 3 state titlesboys (2), girls (1) and speech & debate (1). Todd and his wife met at a small progressive K-12 school in Seattle and they also worked together at a boarding school on a 500 acre working farm in southern Vermont. 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. Staff and students have received training in the Montana Behavior Institute, ASIST program, Student Assistance Training program, Second Step, Respect of Us and Stop, Talk, Walk. 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. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. To begin a new application, choose a job from the available listings below. Currently Jerrie is also serving on the Alpine Theater Project Board of Directors. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. 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. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. Whitefish, MT 59937 To support the ongoing work of this site, we display non-personalized Google ads in EEA countries which are targeted using contextual information only on the page. 406-862-3505. 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. P: (4069 862-8600 Instrumental Music all students have the choice of instruments beginning with the 5th grade and may specialize with one or more instruments by the time they finish their high school career. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. 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.. Terms of Use | Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. 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. $790,000. 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. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable., copyright 2023 Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . Trustees - School Board - School Board - Whitefish School District Trustees If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to trustees@whitefishschools. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. 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). Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. Following in her grandparents and parents Griz Alumni footsteps, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula earning a Bachelors in Exercise Science, and graduate degree with a Masters in Physical Therapy. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. 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. Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . Thats something she believes every child should have. 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. Athletic/activities programs function as an integral part of the total curriculum by providing a variety of experiences in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and by helping the individual students develop a healthy self concept. Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. Bulletin Board. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. 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. Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district.