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. P: (406) 862-8620 I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. 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. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. Unfortunately, this position is no longer available. Todd Lengacher is honored to join the board in the spring of 2021. If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. In the past she worked for a nonprofit that partnered with schools to deliver extended programming this work helped her grow to recognize the struggles that teachers and students face daily. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. 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. 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. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. Employment Opportunities. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. 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. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. High school enrollment is already nearing capacity. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Whitefish, MT 59937 312 E. Second Street Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. The Zoom option is for viewing and listening only. Whitefish, MT 59937 The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. I don't have a dog in the fight to control families, my dog is in the fight to raise kids the way parents see fit and protect the rights of others to do the same. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. Emails or letters received after that will be included in the following month's business meeting materials. 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. 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. Positions open: 3\nTerm: 3 years\nDeadline for candidate filing: Thursday March 23, 2023 at 4:30pm at the District Office\n\nPlease pick up the candid. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. But one main reason is to give back to the community. (Enter less keywords for more results. Business Teacher. 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. A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. 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 I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. 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. that has not been submitted. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. Pet exams oftentimes turn into conversations about our lives, families and various community topics. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. As real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. 1296 Whitefish Village Dr, Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. 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).. 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 Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. P: (406) 862-8688 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.. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., 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. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. Family: I am very lucky to have my parents and siblings close by and I have a niece and nephew in the Whitefish Schools. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. Location: WMS - PAC. 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. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms Current trustees. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. This can be done by continuing to responsibly spend covid funding to remedy these issues. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. The School Board needs to engage with other community groups to find solutions for our housing issues. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., Muldown elementary School. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. 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.. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 Background: Current Vice Chair for Whitefish School District School Board. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. I come from a long line of teachers as well, children are just extremely important. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. 1118 East 7th St., Whitefish, MT 59937 P: (406) 862-8620 F: (406) 730-2176 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. 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. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. 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 voter's mailboxes by next week. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . Support should materialize into meaningful accommodation. After your information is complete, you will receive a confirmation number, and your information will be saved allowing you to return at any time to submit additional applications. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay . Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. In spite of the pandemic, our high school is ranked number two in the state and our reading and math scores are on the upswing across every grade level in the district. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). 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. 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. Our schools have implemented multiple intervention strategies for those students in need of additional support through mentoring and individual tutoring. Wfbschools.com - Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn 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. Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. 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. Whitefish School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. The foundation has received several donations from Alumni, business leaders, and other individuals who value education and have provided gifts of stock, bonds, estate holdings and other financial resources. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Terms of Use | (Courtesy photos). Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. Whitefish, MT 59937 I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. 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. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. P: (406) 862-8620 An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. 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. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. 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. Jerrie taught all grades in many classroom positions from K to 8, including 14 years of Gifted and Talented, curriculum development and teacher training. I am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. 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.. 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. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Suggestions may be selected), To be informed of or opt-out of these cookies, please see our. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Family, educational and community involvement are Jerries passions. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. The Running Start program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get a start on their college career by earning dual credit simultaneously with WHS and FVCC. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. 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. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. P: (406) 862-8650 There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Voices on all sides have felt unheard. The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. Staff. The recent pandemic has resulted in a very divided community. My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. Ms. Rachel Anderson . The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. 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. Would you like to continue working on this application? 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. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. 406-862-3505. Other Staff (FTE) Total: 119.50 : Instructional Aides: 28.02: Instruc. 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 just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Terms of Use | Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. 406-862-3505. Teachers/ Staff But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. 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. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. 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. 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. 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. Whitefish, MT 59937 For more information on the election call the district office at 862-8640. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. 312 E. Second Street 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. 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. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; previously worked in agriculture, mortgage and commercial lending. No just policy has within its construction the power to excuse child abuse and violation from its effects, whether through denial, ignoring, or in the name of a false, or even a true premise. The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. 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.. Whitefish Bay School District is a top performing district in Wisconsin and the Midwest. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. 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. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. 600 East 2nd St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . She just opened her own studio called Whitefish School of Ballet and serves as the artistic director. The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. As a mom of two Whitefish Schools students, Clarke's goal as a school board member is to advocate for every student to have the most positive and high-quality educational experience possible. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. She says she always had a desire to get into local politics and government and knows she has a lot to offer in the role. Ms. Rachel Anderson . Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both . Full Time position. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. 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. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Whitefish School District. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for..