Rettig is the former principal of Sentinel High School in Missoula County Public Schools. "Not credible" email threat against Columbia Falls High School investigated He noted the case of a male who did that at the college level at the University of Montana and it wasnt fair to the female athletes. Ballots were mailed out on April 14 to all registered voters in the district. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake). The applicants included: Leslie Bonds, Robert Lewandowski, Patrick Mayer, Ryan Rettig and Dan Schmidt. copyright 2023 He had 10 children who graduated from Columbia Falls and now has grandchildren attending school here. He said one of his greatest assets was that in Wyoming, hes out there with the kids and teachers and visiting classrooms. COLUMBIA FALLS Columbia Falls Schools superintendent Steve Bradshaw plans to retire after spending 44 years in public school education. He said he plans on staying in Columbia Falls and didnt take the move lightly. Flathead County Superintendent of Schools (opens in new window/tab) Flathead County Health Department (opens in new window/tab) Land to Hand Montana (opens in new window/tab) Glacier Conservancy (opens in new window/tab) . He said he wanted teachers that did not instill doctrines or ideals into students. They had been trying to pass a new junior high since 1972, so that was a really great thing, said Wick. He also holds a strong belief that all kids can learn and seeks to provide them opportunities, encouragement, and support to become their best selves, he said. Elizabeth Kaleva of Kaleva Law Office, which helped the school district in the candidate search process, assured trustees she would notify the applicants that they were welcome to reapply for the interim superintendent position. Dziowgo also toured the schools, met with staff and was interviewed by the school board during his trip to Columbia Falls. Columbia Falls School District welcomes new superintendent - KPAX News "That's a huge responsibility of the superintendent to assist with that, said Wick "Help the school board, help the construction manager, help the district. Wick feels confident in the direction of Columbia Falls schools in the coming years but admits it takes a two-way street between parents and educators to navigate a constantly changing landscape. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Superintendent at Columbia Falls School District Staff and administration should be able to try new ideas and methods if something doesnt work, then fix it. By Denali Sagner April 7, 2023 Buses are parked at Columbia Falls High School on Aug. 26, 2021. But that case hasnt come up in Columbia Falls schools to date. Dave Wicks days of walking the hallways in Columbia Falls are nearing an end as hes set to retire from his role as superintendent at the end of June. Ballots were mailed out on April 14 to all registered voters in the district. COLUMBIA FALLS The Columbia Falls School District has a new superintendent with over 20 years of experience. He describes his leadership style as a blend of servant leadership and transformational leadership. She taught for nine years in West Glacier, has served 28 years on the School District 6 board and was a teacher and administrator in Whitefish for 15 years. Dave Wick will replace Steve Bradshaw, who was Columbia Falls superintendent for the past six years. After 22 years of service to this district I have come to the difficult conclusion that it is time for me to move on to new opportunities and challenges.. Exact times have not been set for the finalist interviews as of presstime, as the school board would have to determine when candidates would be available. Aside from a short closure at the junior high, schools have remained open and infection rates have remained low. These are some great candidates but just looking at the experience they have and with our district needs I think that might be a better option, Morton Stout said. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 He also holds a strong belief that all kids can learn and seeks to provide them opportunities, encouragement, and support to become their best selves. His children attended school here and now he has grandchildren attending school here as well. copyright 2023 Maheras coaches ski racing on Blacktail Mountain and played lacrosse in college. Schmidt is the superintendent of Poplar Public Schools in Montana. JILL ROCKSUND, an incumbent, has years of education experience as a teacher, administrator and school board member. Superintendent of Schools :: Flathead County 727 East Idaho copyright 2023 His children attended school here and now he has grandchildren attending school here as well. We went to the school. Bradshaw was one of two applicants the board interviewed to replace Sitka's current Superintendent Frank Hauser, who submitted his resignation in . He taught until 2010 and then became the Meeteetse School principal and activities director in Wyoming before moving to Platte County. Dziowgo is currently the superintendent of Platte County School District 1 in Wheatland, Wyoming. Next Monday, January 27, the candidates will tour the schools and meet with people afterwards in the junior high school's cafetorium. We plan to have a pretty broad reach with that because we want to be transparent and get the community involved, Kalispell Board Chair Sue Corrigan told the Beacon. Hunter D'Antuono | Flathead Beacon Columbia Falls Superintendent Dave Wick is calling it a career after four decades in education, leaving behind a long-lasting impact on the community he calls home. 406-892-2151. Im just so grateful to have been in this community, its been such a privilege, and I feel like we have a great team here, and just being a part of the team and getting things done," said Wick. Privacy Policy I think it just gives us more time and more options, Trustee Jennifer Sevier said, a sentiment echoed by several of her colleagues. Having said that, Jacobsmeyer said that the district for the most part has wonderful teachers. A press release from the Columbia Falls School District said the following about Dziowgo: Mr. Once a candidate is chosen, the plan is to repost the superintendent position in November or December in hopes of drawing a larger pool of applicants. He said he supported the bond issue and the new school additions at the elementary schools and the kids seemed to be excited about the new schools. 2023 Flathead Beacon, All Rights Reserved. He said he didnt know much about the schools budget or finances, but hes done well with his own finances. Educators need to address the whole child and provide a setting that is safe for learning as well as provide instruction that is geared to meet different student needs, he said in a statement. She said her main goal is to keep the district stable and healthy. Previously, they were mandatory for students and staff to curb the spread of the coronavirus. He said one of the main issues hes hoping to change is the mask mandate the school currently has in place for students and staff. He answered a variety of questions during the public forum, touching on a wide range of subjects controversial books, working with nonprofits, parental rights and student homelessness, just to name a few. But it gets harder and harder all the time, she noted. Ballots have been mailed and will . Columbia Falls School Board Chair Jill Rocksund said that the board hopes to have a new superintendent chosen by April 12. The first priority is to get the school through the coronavirus crisis. The buildings trade program, for example, teaches students a skilled trade that makes them employable straight out of high school. MICHAEL NICOSIA, an incumbent, has served School District 6 for 26 years, 19 as superintendent. This is his first time running for the school board. Privacy Policy Mike Nicosia - District Superintendent - Columbia Falls School District As far as Im concerned the virus is proven and the research is sound, he said. Vice Chair Diane Morton Stout agreed. Steve Bradshaw to serve as interim superintendent for Sitka School District One topic that seems to have struck a chord this election cycle is transgender males competing in female sports. School Email. UPCOMING ANNOUNCEMENTS Flathead County Spelling Bee Winners: 1st Place- Teagan Chisholm, 8th grade Whitefish MS 2nd Place-Clara Patton, 6th Grade Columbia Falls MS 3rd Place- Lennan O'Connpr, 5th Grade Hedges Elem KSD Congratulations to all the contestants and good luck to the three heading to the state competition! I dont have any political ambition.. 406-755-7000. Current superintendent Dave Wick retires at the end of the school year after a distinguished career in Columbia Falls. Jacobsmeyer supported the bond issue and the building and renovations at the elementary schools. PRIOR TO the board decision, trustees went into executive session to review the applications. Im not going to take the first 100 days and sit back and watch, he said. Terms of Use | She retired as the curriculum director in 2016; but was also the assistant principal at Muldown Elementary and principal for two years and nine years respectively. So far in 2022/23 we know of at least 40 superintendents who are leaving their current position. Five candidates to square off for two seats on School District 6 board The state saw a 16.5% superintendent turnover rate in the 2019-20 school year, 22.3% in 2020-21 and 25.9% in 2021-22. He has a background in education and was a math teacher for 18 years at the junior high and taught math and physics at the senior high for 12 years. Roger C. Ball 418 Aaron Parish 611 Christina Relyea 721 Ballots mailed: 5,195 Ballots returned: 1,377 Columbia Falls Trustee election Two three-year terms, elementary district Corydon. The finalist interviews are open to the public as is the April 11th question and answer session. This would put us on track to hit 25% range again for 2022/23, Watson wrote in an email to the Beacon. I would like to see curriculum get back to basics.. Trustee Scott Warnell also noted that community members participating in the focus groups wanted a superintendent who knows the landscape of Montana.. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 But that case hasnt come up in Columbia Falls schools to date. The school board expects to review candidates to interview for the interim superintendent position May 2. She taught for nine years in West Glacier, has served 28 years on the School District 6 board and was a teacher and administrator in Whitefish for 15 years. Linden asked if having an interim would add more stress for the district with continued transitions in leadership, but said she didnt want to rush the process. I would like to see curriculum get back to basics.. He taught until 2010 and then became the Meeteetse School principal and activities director in Wyoming before moving to Platte County. He served on the insurance committee after retirement and then as a school board member the last three years. He said hes running as he wants to be a voice for students and staff. She said she would like to lift the mask mandate, but right now the Centers for Disease Control and the local health department recommend that it stay in place. The schools efforts worked, she noted. Employment - Columbia Falls Public Schools Its nonsense.. Gianforte, State of Office of public Instruction Superintendent Elsie Arntzen, and members of the Legislature are tasked with appointing members of the com. This is his first time running for the school board. He has worked for school districts across the state of Montana and Alaska. Mr. Dziowgo and his family are excited for this opportunity become members of and contribute to the Columbia Falls community, and he feels that Columbia Falls is on the path towards excellence.. Wick's first day as superintendent will be July 1st. For updates and more information on the superintendent process, visit www.fallsschools.org . Its an opportunity to be of service, he said. She said another goal is to improve educational delivery. And to make sure we do a good job of stewardship with that money that the public has voted for.". A motion to hire a firm to help the school board search for a new superintendent failed at the March 21 meeting in a 5-6 vote, setting the district apart from others in the region that employed recruiting firms in their superintendent searches in recent months. Lewandowski is the superintendent of Colstrip Public Schools in Montana. Voters To Choose From Among 6 Candidates for Columbia Falls School Im not a professional transient, he said. Now, Wick hopes to work closely with the district's administration and continue its stable leadership. Wayne Jacobsmeyer was a chiropractor in Columbia Falls for 35 years. Columbia Falls students build cabin for Glacier Park employees Jacobsmeyer supported the bond issue and the building and renovations at the elementary schools. I know I have said it before that I have a lot of confidence in our central administrative staff right now, that if we went to an interim, we have a great staff that we would continue moving in the direction that our strategic plan has pointed us in. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, National Association of Elementary School Principals. Theres never going to be another Dave Wick, thats for sure, said Columbia Falls seventh grade teacher Holly Ekstrom. Eleven additional superintendent vacancies for the 2023-24 school year have already been filled across the state. copyright 2023 The job listing announcing the search for his successor was posted March 22 and closed April 11. In addition to a doctorate degree and years of experience, he said he has more than 80 hours of continuing education in coursework designed to help school board members. Doyle grew up in Michigan and moved to Montana about 15 years ago because there were better job opportunities in Montana, he said. Corrigan also mentioned Bonds. Terms of Use | Schools should make reasonable efforts to follow school guidelines and best practices recommended by the CDC and the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Gianfortes order notes. Outgoing Columbia Falls School Superintendent Dave Wick leaves long He has stated that educators need to address the whole child and provide a setting that is safe for learning as well as provide instruction that is geared to meet different student needs.. ANDREW DOYLE: of Columbia Falls is a patrol deputy for the Flathead County Sheriffs Department. District Office Departments: Support Staff Email: Kent Blair . He described his leadership style as a blend of servant leadership and transformational leadership, in a statement. Dziowgo (pronounced Jeffco) is currently superintendent of Platte County School District in Wheatland, Wyoming, according to the Hungry Horse News. Incumbent Jill Rocksund has years of education experience as a teacher, administrator and school board member. He comes from Platte County, Wyoming where he served in the school district since 2016, first as a middle school principal and, then as interim business manager and interim superintendent, and has served as the superintendent since 2020. As far as politics and school, he said he would hope teachers would take a balanced approach with any subject and keep personal views out the classroom, whether it was liberal or conservative. His educational leadership background has included providing similar resources for students, staff, and community members. District Superintendent at Columbia Falls School District Six Columbia Falls, Montana, United States. Schools - Columbia Falls Public Schools Dziowgo (pronounced Jeffco) a longtime educator and the current superintendent of the Platte County School District in southeast Wyoming will take the helm of the Columbia Falls. Kalispell, MT 59901 Columbia Falls School District seeks family input on in-person instruction for Fall 2020. Five candidates are seeking two seats on the School District 6 board of trustees this spring election. Terms of Use | He has stated that he recognizes the work already begun is outstanding and wishes to be part of advancing the district for the betterment of our students. He recalled polio back in the 1950s and its impacts. Mr. Dziowgo believes a superintendent should support the students, staff, and stakeholders in order for the school district to continually make progress towards excellence and success. Whitefish, Columbia Falls schools announce opposite mask policies Hills last day is June 30. A primary concern was the ability of applicants from small school districts (with total enrollments of less than 900 students) to lead Flathead Countys largest school district, which has an enrollment of 6,193 students. He retired in 2000, but continued to teach in California and Washington as well as at Flathead Valley Community College after leaving Columbia Falls. He said the challenge in education is to get students to apply themselves. I think its time to unmask kids, he said. "Our focus turned from educational leader to a position of protector of public education," says Dave Wick, superintendent of Columbia Falls School District 6 and president of the Montana Association of School Superintendents. . 406-755-7000. He added he doesnt know much about the schools budget or finances, but said hes done well with his own finances. Im tired of the liberal agenda running through schools and the moral decay, he said. Im tired of the liberal agenda running through schools and the moral decay, he said. Shared by Greg Price Join now to see all activity Experience Superintendent Columbia School District Jul 2020 - Present2 years 11 months Hunters, Washington, United States Special. Do the best by kids as we can, she said. According to the district website, if a suitable candidate is not found, the position will be held open. GR Recruiting, a national firm that assists school districts with superintendent and principal searches, is working with the district as it moves through the hiring process. Its nonsense.. 406-892-6550 x1421. Seeking normalcy after cyber-threats, some Flathead schools remain School lockdowns and remote learning didnt start until the fall of 2020. Doyle of Columbia Falls is a patrol deputy for the Flathead County Sheriffs Department. We owe our kids. He said he supported the bond issue and it was necessary to get the schools fixed. Dziowgo said he plans on being active, visible and in touch with students during his tenure. In the long term, Nicosia said he would like to develop more ways for the district to engage more students in the schools. You know to be a member of the Columbia Falls family, and thats something super important to me, and thats why I stayed, took the job here, and stayed here for this many years, said Ekstrom. Columbia Falls High School Academic Endowment; . Superintendent - Columbia Falls School District - LinkedIn As a result, so too has the duties of a superintendent. copyright 2023 Concerns raised over Menomonee Falls Schools superintendent finalists Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Students who have in Columbia Falls, have gone on to have great careers. School District 6 candidate: Corydon Albrecht Corydon Albrecht | April 20, 2022 7:50 AM Corydon Albrecht, 43 Occupation/Education/Background: I grew up along the east coast from Florida to Maine in multiple states and until attending college. The 2021 School District 6 Board candidates, from left, David Shaffer, Andrew Doyle, Jill Rocksund, Michael Nicosia and Wayne Jacobsmeyer. Dziowgo and Andy Maheras were the two finalists for the position. He said whether or not a student should have to wear a mask should be up to the family, not the district. Helena Flats School Superintendent Andy Maheras was a finalist for that position. He noted the case of a male who did that at the college level at the University of Montana and it wasnt fair to the female athletes. Board Chair Sue Corrigan said it was a valid concern when compared to what the community considered important in a superintendent as compiled from the results of a community survey and focus groups. In talking with the community we really do need to try and find someone with AA experience and I just think that would be something that we owe our community. On the matter of coronavirus he said he developed his opinion based on science and the fact that its resulted in the deaths of a lot of Americans. According to data from Rob Watson, executive director of School Administrators of Montana, superintendent turnover rates have risen in Montana in recent years, a trend that is set to continue this year. The same with the schools welding program. Two of the Flathead Valleys largest school districts are in the midst of filling vacancies for their top administrator as turnover rates remain high across the state. Current superintendent Dave Wick is retiring at the end of the school year after a 40-year career in education, most of it in Columbia Falls. COLUMBIA FALLS The Columbia Falls School District has a new superintendent with over 20 years of experience. It was his love of teaching English to middle school students that originally got him interested in education. Doyle said he espoused strong Christian values. It was 94.48% in 2020. But ultimately, he said the success of students lies on his shoulders. 2022 school election results | Daily Inter Lake By: Sean Wells Posted at. 2023 Flathead Beacon, All Rights Reserved. Its a system thats worked well for more than 20 years, but its proving more difficult, as the district has to contract with health-care providers such as local hospitals, on rates. In the long term, Nicosia said he would like to develop more ways for the district to engage more students in the schools. Doyle said he espouses strong Christian values. The board hopes to complete screening and background checks of candidates between April 12 and 17 and select finalists by April 18. On the subject of transgender youth and athletics, he said he would oppose a male transgender student competing in female events. Thats kind of what were all about, she said. Corrigan said she is confident in selecting an interim with help from the current staff. Columbia Falls was an opportunity I couldnt not try for.. Jill Rocksund - School Board Chair - Columbia Falls School District As far as politics and classrooms, she said students should get a balanced viewpoint and see all sides of an issue and have rich discussions.. On the short list: Craig Barringer, the superintendent in Conrad; Kim Harding, the superintendent in Sheridan; Steve Bradshaw, the superintendent in Sitka, Alaska. School District 6 Superintendent Dave Wick stated in a letter that Columbia Falls High School administration received a threatening email directed toward the school on March 6, 2023. He has a background in education and was a math teacher for 18 years at the junior high and taught math and physics at the senior high for 12 years. Nicosia had three children graduate from Columbia Falls. Help us tell stories like this one and get other great perks by joining the Editors Club for as little as $5 per month. Faculty & Staff Directory - Columbia Falls Public Schools David Shaffer has run for the board for the past five years. The schools efforts worked, she noted. 406-892-2151. The district is self-insured, which means it doesnt use an insurance company. The finalists will visit Columbia Falls to meet with staff, students and community groups on April 11 and will be interviewed in person on April 12. On the matter of coronavirus, he said he developed his opinion based on science and the fact that its resulted in the deaths of a lot of Americans. Cory Dziowgo and Andy Maheras will visit with the district next week ahead of a final selection. The. Columbia Falls School District recently selected Cory Dziowgo as its new superintendent after receiving 11 completed applications. Doyle said he is opposed to allowing that to happen. Flathead County Superintendent Jack Eggensperger received three emails over . In addition, she hopes to help the district steer through the building projects that are underway at the districts elementary schools. I dont have any political ambition.. Welcome to School District Six The Columbia Falls School District Six Board of Trustees, faculty and staff are dedicated to academic excellence and hold high expectations to ensure all students have the opportunity to be successful learners. He saw the need firsthand. Interviews will not be held May 2 as previously stated in the article. Columbia Falls, Montana . She said she would like to lift the mask mandate, but right now the Centers for Disease Control and the local health department recommend that it stay in place. He has three school-aged children,a fifth, third and second grader, and his wife, Amie, teaches elementary school as well. He had 10 children that graduated from Columbia Falls and now has grandchildren attending school here. It has a total enrollment of about 905 students. Schools should make reasonable efforts to follow school guidelines and best practices recommended by the CDC and the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Gianfortes order notes. The board at a March 23 special meeting reviewed interview tapes with six candidates, who were evaluated using a matrix tool before being narrowed down to four semi-finalists. copyright 2023 The Columbia Falls School Board which began the process of replacing current superintendent Dave Wick earlier this year after Wick announced his retirement in January has narrowed down 11 initial applicants to four semi-finalists. The hackers apparently were using phone numbers they obtained after accessing Columbia Falls system to make the threats. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Board selects Dziowgo as new Columbia Falls Public Schools She said her main goal is to keep the district stable and healthy. Columbia Falls, Montana, United States View Dave's full profile . Wyoming where he served in . He said if chosen he plans to continue to focus on the necessary atmosphere that is required to provide outstanding and well-rounded learning opportunities to ensure successful students.