I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. 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.. The need to consider expanding the high school and requesting a bond from the voters is impending for the district. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. It is there she met her husband, Kyle, a Whitefish native. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. Privacy Policy The Zoom option is for viewing and listening only. Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. 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. Elizabeth is a Veterinarian at Alpine Animal Hospital in Whitefish. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. Whitefish High School. 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. 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. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Job specializations: Administrative/Clerical. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community I come from a long line of teachers as well, children are just extremely important. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. 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. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. In addition, I have extensive business experience dealing with budgets, personnel and scheduling, and I have held many volunteer roles in the community. What is the most important issue(s) facing the Whitefish School District right now and how would you work to address it? And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. 406-862-3505. 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!!! Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. 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. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Location: WMS - PAC. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. 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. As the pandemic narrative on masking and jabs unravels, it's clear our children were subject to political agendas and not health measures. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley, 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. School board trustee candidates share perspectives - Whitefish Pilot I think were a growing economy in Whitefish; the challenge would be to serve every member of the community and know what their needs are because theyre coming from all different directions of the country, Morrow said. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Whitefish, MT 59937 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. 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. An excellent tradition exists for all Whitefish High School athletic/activities programs. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. District Calendar 22-23 rev_1-11-22.pdf (38 KB) Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . 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. Search for Public School Districts - District Detail for Whitefish Bay I am running for reelection as there is a direct correlation between high student achievement outcomes and low board member turnover. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. 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. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. Parents should have ultimate power to remove their children from adverse educational influences particularly when debate isn't permitted. 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. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. P: (4069 862-8600 She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. The use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. Whitefish School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. 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. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. I will continue to promote open and honest communication, enrichment for students and mental health programs. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. Support should materialize into meaningful accommodation. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondenceat the next school board business meeting. She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. Staff. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. 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. 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. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Muldown elementary School. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. Home - Overview - Whitefish School District Whitefish School District The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. 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. 312 E. Second Street Community service projects are greatly encouraged. 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. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. Suicide rates have increased. 1118 East 7th St., If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. I will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. 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. 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. There should never be a policy void of faith and trust in the parents who love these children. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. 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. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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.. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. 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. As a parent of young children, working in the service industry and a woman of color, its clear this perspective is absent in our communitys leadership. 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. 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. 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. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. Congratulations to your new WHS royalty! There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. 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 Please select a different job from those listed below. 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. 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. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. Staff - Whitefish School District 56 were here. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. NEW - 2 DAYS AGO 2.46 ACRES. Whitefish School District Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. Whitefish Middle School Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. 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. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., Board of Trustees Monthly Work Session - Main Calendar - Whitefish High 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). 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. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. Privacy Policy There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar - Bulletin Board - Whitefish School District The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. 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. Business Teacher. Listed on 2023-03-02. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. Emails or letters received after that will be included in the following month's business meeting materials. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. High school enrollment is already nearing capacity. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots were sent out on April 16. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Whitefish High School 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. While we cannot change the past, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and build a better future. 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. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. P: (4069 862-8600 Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. The need to provide additional educational and mental health support is a top priority for me. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. 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. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. | In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. 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. 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).. 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 The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. 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. Staff - Whitefish Middle School Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. This can be done by continuing to responsibly spend covid funding to remedy these issues. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Whitefish School District Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of. 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.. Terms of Use | Postal Service and in award winning magazines. 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 said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. P: (406) 862-8688 F: (406) 862-2586. ! To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. The School Board needs to engage with other community groups to find solutions for our housing issues. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. TalentEd Hire 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. Several students have displayed their skills and talents by playing in the Glacier Symphony and Chorale which performs across the Flathead County. 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. 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. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. 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. 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. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. Website Disclaimer. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. Teachers/ Staff Admin Assistant, Clerical, Office Administration, Healthcare Administration. P: (406) 862-8650 For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism. She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. Whitefish, MT 59937 1296 Whitefish Village Dr, Whitefish Bay School District | Whitefish Bay WI - Facebook An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. 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. 200 Stageline Dr, 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. Employment Opportunities. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. 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. 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information