Whitefish, MT 59937 We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. Mrs. Kristine Yorba Secretary Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. 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.. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. Ms. Victoria Buls. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. Muldown elementary School. 406-862-3505. 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. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. One of the things that drew her to Whitefish, which she discovered on a ski vacation with friends, was that people were friendly and the community. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. Job in Whitefish - Flathead County - MT Montana - USA , 59937. His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Emails to trustees received after the business meeting is postedwill be included in the next business meeting packet. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. 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. Whitefish Bay School District schools for this district: NCES District ID: 5516620: State District ID: WI-6419: Mailing Address: 1200 E Fairmount Ave Whitefish Bay, WI 53217-6099: . Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. 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. 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.. 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 need to consider expanding the high school and requesting a bond from the voters is impending for the district. Staff. 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. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. A Whitefish native, Elizabeth has called Whitefish home for 38 years. Whitefish, MT 59937 He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. 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. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. 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. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. 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. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. 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. Suicide rates have increased. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. 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. 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. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Voices on all sides have felt unheard. 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. Thats something she believes every child should have. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. 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. TalentEd Hire He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. 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. 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.. There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. Mr. Gary Carmichael. The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. In addition, I have extensive business experience dealing with budgets, personnel and scheduling, and I have held many volunteer roles in the community. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. 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 think theyre one of the most important demographics that we have and the best investment is in the development of a child, she added. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . 56 were here. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. 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. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. We have lost sight of the value in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. 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. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Suggestions may be selected), To be informed of or opt-out of these cookies, please see our. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. 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. 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. Postal Service and in award winning magazines. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). I feel this pay it forward, as far as Im incredibly grateful for my career and my education that I received as part of a Montana public school system that allows me to have the life I have today; I want that for every kid.. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. Editor's note: This Q&A article was compiled by Whitefish Pilot editor Whitney England. 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. Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. I am a Whitefish native and graduate of Whitefish Schools; I greatly value the educational opportunities offered by our schools. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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 am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. The mental, emotional and physical well-being of our students, staff and entire community have been impacted by living with a pandemic for the last two years. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 E Second St Whitefish, MT. 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. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. 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. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. 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. 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. Morrow said shes never served on a school board or other government board before, but has held plenty of leadership positions throughout her life. 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. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable.. Listed on 2023-03-02. 1118 East 7th St., Whitefish, MT 59937 P: (406) 862-8620 F: (406) 730-2176 | 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. 406-862-3505. While we cannot change the past, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and build a better future. Diverse perspectives are crucial in order to govern a community in a representative way. Ms. Rachel Anderson . I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. 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. MA Technology and Learning WGU. Candidate preferences are the decision of the Employer or Recruiting Agent, and are controlled by them alone. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. Powered by Would you like to continue working on this application? Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. 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. 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. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. Privacy Policy 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. Free administrative/clerical job search site: School Secretary job in Whitefish Montana, USA. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. 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. 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. Staff. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. One of the things that drew her to Whitefish, which she discovered on a ski vacation with friends, was that people were friendly and the community. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots were sent out on April 16. It's a tumultuous time, and we must fight against the spirit of the age's attempt to create a new normal for our kids. 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. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. 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. 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. Congratulations to your new WHS royalty! 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. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. Its time to bring back compassion, kindness and compromise to the table, fostering relationships along the way. 600 East 2nd St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . You have an incomplete application for For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. High school enrollment is already nearing capacity. Ms. Rachel Anderson . I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. Whitefish, MT 59937 She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. 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.. Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, 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. Whitefish High School. 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. Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. 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. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. Ray and Jerries family include 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren plus 24 exchange students who have all attended the Whitefish schools. 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. Pet exams oftentimes turn into conversations about our lives, families and various community topics. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. 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 Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. 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.