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. ! Currently Jerrie is also serving on the Alpine Theater Project Board of Directors. 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. 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. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. 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. 56 were here. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. 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 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. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. 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. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. The recent pandemic has resulted in a very divided community. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. 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. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. Full Time position. 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. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. My children will be attending school in the Whitefish district for the next 13 consecutive years. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. 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. Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. 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. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. Pet exams oftentimes turn into conversations about our lives, families and various community topics. From the outside looking in, Whitefish is a contentious area because we have so many people strongly anchored in opposing beliefs. 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. (Courtesy photos) Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Our schools have implemented multiple intervention strategies for those students in need of additional support through mentoring and individual tutoring. $570,000. First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. Please select a different job from those listed below. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Whitefish, MT 59937 Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. copyright 2023 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.. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . | There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Teachers/ Staff 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. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots were sent out on April 16. The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. 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. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. P: (406) 862-8620 She and her husband, Ray, both taught in the Whitefish schools for their entire teaching careers. Family, educational and community involvement are Jerries passions. Community service projects are greatly encouraged. For in-depth information, please visit the districts website. Whitefish, MT 59937 After moving around a lot as a youngster himself, Diehls father was also in the Air Force, he wanted his two kids to attend one high school instead of moving several times. The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. I am a Whitefish native and graduate of Whitefish Schools; I greatly value the educational opportunities offered by our schools. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. Its why I am on the board of CRYJ, why I became a Girl Scout leader, and why I am giving my time and energy to work on a play about social issues in our community. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. Its time to bring back compassion, kindness and compromise to the table, fostering relationships along the way. Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . Terms of Use | During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. P: (406) 862-8620 A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. She taught Education Through Music classes for teachers throughout the state. Their son Porter attends Muldown Elementary. Of course were outdoor enthusiasts, so that was the first appeal; then the great schools, the fantastic gym, the theater, the awesome town, the airport. National award winners have had their works displayed via the national duck stamp for the U.S. Morrow said shes never served on a school board or other government board before, but has held plenty of leadership positions throughout her life. 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. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. These essential cookies may also be used for improvements, site monitoring and security. Candidate preferences are the decision of the Employer or Recruiting Agent, and are controlled by them alone. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. Theres people who have been on the board and dedicated educators who are in the trenches that I want to hear from to learn what they view as the priorities first.. 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 attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. 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. 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. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. Background: Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota; Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College; Former CEO and CFO of multiple dental offices; former President and VP of Austin Youth Hockey Association; former assistant high school hockey coach; former volunteer EMT and firefighter; volunteer for North Valley Search and Rescue. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. Website Disclaimer. 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. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. However she does believe a huge concern facing the school district is continuing to recover from the educational setbacks and emotional disturbances to students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interaction features such as share screen, chat, unmute, raise hand, are not enabled. 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 I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. 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. 406-862-3505. Whitefish, MT 59937 Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. 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. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. I will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. 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. 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. It is my desire is to see Whitefish continue to strive for the highest degree of success for all its students no matter where their paths may lead. As real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. 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. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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.. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. 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. 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. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. I am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. Emails to trustees received after the business meeting is postedwill be included in the next business meeting packet. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. 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. Whitefish Schools have strong community support and I can use my open line of communication to continue to make the community feel connected and engaged. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. 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).. The use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. 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. Ray and Jerries family include 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren plus 24 exchange students who have all attended the Whitefish schools. 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. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Thats something she believes every child should have. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. Staff; Staff. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. 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. 406-862-3505. Privacy Policy Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. 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. If you want to view and listen to the meeting via mobile device, you are encouraged to install the Zoom app. WMS Jazz Band Festival @ U of M. Date: Mar 17. $790,000. Website Disclaimer. Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners. All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. Website Disclaimer. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . I come from a long line of teachers as well, children are just extremely important. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. 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. However, I dont claim my diverse perspective is what qualifies me alone for this position. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; previously worked in agriculture, mortgage and commercial lending. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . Whitefish School District. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. It is there she met her husband, Kyle, a Whitefish native. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. 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. Emily Morrow believes that children are one of the most important demographics and has been committed to serving kids in many ways throughout her life. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. 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 far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. Find job postings in CA, NY, NYC, NJ, TX, FL, MI, OH, IL, PA, GA, MA, WA, UT, CO, AZ, SF Bay Area, LA County, USA, UAE, SA, North America, abroad. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. Students also have the option of attending Flathead Valley Community College by taking classes of their choice in the Running Start program. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of Whitefish, Montana. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions.