I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. She has volunteered at a women's shelter and for DREAM Adaptive. I am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. 312 E. Second Street Family, educational and community involvement are Jerries passions. News and Announcements - News and Announcements Quality education for all students in the district is key to our future. Incumbent Trustees Win Whitefish School Board Race Occupation: I taught every grade from first through eighth in Whitefish as a classroom teacher, Title I teacher, gifted and talented teacher and curriculum facilitator. Kalispell, MT 59901 Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. As an accomplished soccer player, I have helped local soccer teams by assisting in coaching. Minutes - School Board - School Board - Whitefish School District 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. The role our schools play in our community matters. Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. This district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. Todd Lengacher is honored to join the board in the spring of 2021. Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as the 200 largest public school districts by student enrollment. Hes calm, conscientious, and committed to Whitefish students, faculty, and staff. What is the most important issue(s) facing the Whitefish School District right now and how would you work to address it? 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 Schools' Dave Means honored as Superintendent of the Year According to his WSD trustee profile, Hanson enjoys cooking and being outdoors, and has won awards for his writing and photography. The information below was provided by candidates for Whitefish School District and edited for spelling, punctuation and space. Its a privilege to serve our Whitefish kids and community and to be part of a dedicated and highly capable team working toward such a worthwhile mission. Polumbus has now seen the full spectrum of that after helping the board navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and residential boom Whitefish has been experiencing over the past two years. She declined to give a reason for not seeking reelection other than opening up the opportunity to other candidates. 312 E. Second Street A primary on Feb. 15 . Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. W. Brett Christiansen ran for re-election to the Whitefish Bay School District, At-large in Wisconsin. District Calendar - Whitefish School District Out of the five running candidates, three are incumbent members (members who are currently holding the office/ position), including the current president, Sandy Saltzstein. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience would be an asset to the board. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. + School Board . To get my kid-fix, I was a guest teacher for several years and now serve on the Whitefish School Board. WSD Highlights June 2023 Please click on the link or attachment to view the WSD Highlights Newsletter for June 2023. Boksich has resided in Whitefish since 1967 and both she and her husband taught in Whitefish schools for their entire teaching careers. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. Occupation: I teach communication courses at Flathead Valley Community College. The School Board needs to engage with other community groups to find solutions for our housing issues. It is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's agent or committee. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. Five candidates are on the mail-in ballot for the May 4 election. School Board Candidates - Grassroots North Shore Whitefish School District Superintendent Dave Means assumed the role at one of the most challenging times for schools across the world. To show their places on certain issues, each candidate answered questions at. WATCH THE WHS CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATION LIVE!!! The Whitefish School Board also agrees with Means leadership style and believes he will continue to move the district forward in a positive direction. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. Whitefish, MT 59937 Kearns and her family moved to Whitefish in September 2020, although theyve been coming to the area often since her husbands family has owned a cabin in Essex for many years. School board candidate defends threatening email amid community backlash On her trustee profile, it says 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." copyright 2023 The 2024 Montana Superintendent of the Year chosen from the nine regional superintendents of the year from across the state will be announced in Helena in October and will go on to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year. 2 min read Apr. We are honored to have Dave represent the great work and leadership happening in schools throughout northwest Montana and around the state, said Laurie Barron, NWMASS president and Superintendent of Evergreen School District. Whitefish School District recall, Montana (2021) - Ballotpedia The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. The forum is not affiliated with the Whitefish School District or any other organization. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. Bulletin Board. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. endured sharp criticism from anti-mask advocates, rising profile of local volunteer board elections statewide. The need to provide additional educational and mental health support is a top priority for me. Bennetts says she was inspired to run for school board for a number of reasons, but one main one is to give back to the community. Whitefish Bay School Board - MetaSearch Notice. Lengacher says other priorities would include understanding the impact that the pandemic has had on education, and bringing more support and professional development to faculty. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. At a recent school board meeting, Board Chair Katie Clarke thanked Polumbus for his service, highlighting the fact that a lot has happened within the Whitefish School District over the past eight years. 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, she said. Means says the future is bright in Whitefish and they will continue to work together to navigate upcoming challenges. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. Election 2021: Meet council candidate Ben Davis Ben Davis Updated 1 year, 8 months ago Election 2021: Meet council candidate Giuseppe Caltabiano Giuseppe "Gman" Caltabiano Updated 1 year, 8 months ago Election 2021: Meet council candidate Judy Hessellund Judy Hessellund Updated 1 year, 8 months ago This is the first time in three years that the Whitefish School District has sought a voter-approved levy during a school election. For more information on the election call the district office at 862-8640. Law enforcement eventually became involved after organizers published the names and addresses of school board trustees and encouraged critics of the districts masking policy to protest in front of their homes. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Five candidates seek two spots on school board | Whitefish Pilot School Board Candidates Brown Deer: 4 candidates for 3 positions Three Board members, 3-yr terms Anita Peterson (I) Nichole Burris (Zick) Stacey Smith Felita Ashley Incumbents Kevin Klimek and Michele Schofield are not seeking re-election. Administrators mailed 7,200 ballots to absentee-registered voters in Whitefish last month and conducted a polling place election at the Whitefish Middle School on Tuesday, reporting a voter turnout of about 29%. Background: Bachelors in sociology at Stanford University, volunteer mediation and board member Harvard Mediation Program, data management for evaluation department in educational nonprofit, directing and teaching after school leadership program, currently working in the service industry, Girl Scout troop leader, producing and acting in a play with Montana Art Theater, board member of CRYJ (Center for Restorative Youth Justice). But also she believes there will be challenges associated with the changes in leadership. In the Cedarburg School District, nine candidates are running for just four seats on the board. 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. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. The overwhelming majority of our students are involved in clubs and sports our kids and our schools are thriving and I believe that is at least partially due to a dedicated school board. In the past year 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), she said. Both winning candidates identified the accelerated pace of population growth and the strain it places on Whitefishs schools as a critical issue that deserves immediate attention, with Schellinger touting her understanding of school board governance as an asset and Pitman, who was born and raised here, tipping her community roots. Why do you want to serve as a trustee? Terms of Use | Harrison was first appointed to the board of trustees in 2005, and out of all the current trustees has been on the school board for the most consecutive terms. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. Ballots mailed out for May school elections - Yahoo News School board trustee candidates share perspectives - Whitefish Pilot Currently Kearns is a stay-at-home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. Bulletin Board. Means credits the districts administrators, staff, families and the community as a whole for the success Whitefish Schools have had in recent years. If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should . I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. Whitefish School Board Candidate Forum 2023 (Remote) You are invited to a Zoom webinar.When: Apr 19, 2023 06:30 PM Mountain Time. She also works as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. Ballots may be mailed or. 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 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, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. This year, there are four trustee candidates running for three open. In early March 2020, Means was named the interim superintendent for Whitefish after a search to hire a new permanent superintendent failed. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Candidates for the Flathead County Commission. It is there she met her husband, Kyle, a Whitefish native. Incumbency information for this election was not available. Apr. Hanson is a Montana native who has lived in Whitefish for more than 30 years. I received the Pam Atchison Outstanding Literacy Teacher for Montana, the Northwest Montana Lifetime Literacy Teacher Award, and the national Milken Family Outstanding Teacher Award in 1994. I think every year Im learning something new and we want to take that view as a district as well. Smallville actor released from prison for role in sex-trafficking case tied to cult-like group, Actor Tyler Labine hospitalized after ignoring symptom of 'potentially fatal blood clot', World registers hottest day ever recorded on July 3, A Massachusetts woman who was missing for a week was found stuck in the mud at a state park, Biden says gun violence 'tearing communities apart' after latest mass shootings, Searching for evidence of interstellar objects, Maxx $15 Deal - 120GB Local & 2GB Roaming FOREVER, Florida family wants Petland to pay $2500 vet bill for sick Corgi puppy, Suspect shot by robbery victim in West Ridge, Old Red Lion Country Club land: Its Bulldozer blades v. endangered bats. Weve worked so hard together if you think through the past few years, through navigating some of the challenges and all the opportunities, I was just really honored to even be thought of for the award.. We will continue to strive for those, he said. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. Whitefish School District. Means says they have a motto Together Helping Each Student Succeed and he believes the district is successful in this while continuing to progress as well. Because of his leadership, he was recently selected as the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents (NWMASS) regional Superintendent of the Year. While we cannot change the past, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and build a better future. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school. Terms of Use | | April 28, 2022 1:00 AM A Whitefish School Board trustee candidate is standing behind a profanity-laced email she sent to the school board last year in which she says the board is. My resignation is completely due to the demands on my time with my new position and the importance of taking advantage of the transition time afforded me here at the resort while Dan Graves completes this ski season as CEO, Polumbus said. I work with superintendents in this valley that are part of the (NWMASS) just an amazing group of professionals, Means said. Both Harrison and Kohnstamm have decided not to seek reelection. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. 2023 Flathead Beacon, All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Christiansen was on the ballot in the general election on April 4, 2023. He spent 20 years as an educator and has a masters in mathematics. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. We look at the continuous improvement models that we follow and look to improve all the time.. Whitefish School Board Candidate Forum 2023 Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. I manage and drive for my son's transportation company, and teach very part-time at FVCC. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat. 2023-2024 WSD School Calendar - Bulletin Board - Whitefish School District Whitefish School District Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? I was a substitute teacher in Tucson, Arizona. 406-862-3505, Schellinger, Pitman retain seats on Whitefish School Board, U.S. House Montana District 1 - Primary Election roundup, Flathead County Commission candidates roundup, Whitefish School District election features five trustee candidates, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Andy Feury, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Ben Davis, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Giuseppe Caltabiano, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Judy Hessellund, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Kristen Riter, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Phil Boland, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Terry Petersen, Election 2021: Meet council candidate Vincent DellOmo. Education: Masters degree in curriculum and instruction, and a Ph.D. in communication studies. He and his wife were married on their family property on Flathead Lake and eventually moved to Whitefish in 2018. (Provided photos). Factions Emerge in Whitefish School Board Race They are David Diehl, Quincy Bennetts, Emily Morrow, Leanette Kearns and Todd Lengacher. Emails to trustees received after the business meeting is posted will be included in the next business meeting packet. Terms of Use | 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. If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to trustees@whitefishschools. I would be honored to continue this work. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Trustees - School Board - School Board - Whitefish School District Voices on all sides have felt unheard. In 2017 her family went through a personal hardship and Bennetts says the community stepped up with support. There are two seats available for the upcoming election as the terms of Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm are set to expire in May. Privacy Policy Meet The Whitefish Bay School Board Candidates School Board. Were seeking that growth for each student, data-driven decisions and safe and welcoming schools. Whitefish School District. Not only did I receive excellent academic preparation from Whitefish schools, it also provided a safe and caring place for me to be myself and grow into a productive community member. Delaloye was Whitefish Schools curriculum director previously and is now hoping to use his knowledge of education to serve on the board according to his letter of interest. As a current board member, my interest in this position begins with my strong belief in our public school system and our community as a whole. 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. Jerrie Boksich was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended public schools. 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. The district has ways of working collaboratively including using multi-tiered systems of support and professional learning communities that keep the district proactively improving. She and her husband Joel Shehan have one son in third grade at Muldown Elementary and the family enjoys being in the outdoors. When: Jun 3, 2023 Live Feed and Slideshow starts at 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) There are two seats available for the upcoming election as the terms of Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm are set to expire in May. Three years ago the outdoor-loving family visited Whitefish while looking for a location to call home after Diehl retired from the military. Privacy Policy Pet exams oftentimes turn into conversations about our lives, families and various community topics. Whitefish, MT 59937 Well, let's put it this way, I was asked. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a teacher. Brian Schweitzer to the electronic government advisory board. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that, I saw in a student I was helping.. Polumbus had served on the school board for eight and a half years and his current term was set to expire in May. There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. 727 East Idaho Moving forward, the district has much to navigate as enrollment continues to grow and the district expands its offerings. With Polumbus resignation, the district now needs to replace him and the search for a new trustee is well underway. Utilizing resources efficiently can be challenging. She served on the local and state Reading Councils and made many presentations at those as well as at the International Reading Association. They have an 8 year old daughter who loves horseback riding and her friends. 2023 Elections Whitefish High School District is a school district in Montana . 312 E. Second Street At the time the district was concerned about a downturn in enrollment and a lack of jobs in Whitefish. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. Terms of Use | 16Schools holding mail ballot elections have. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. Primary elections will be needed for two area school board races this spring. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children, she said. The election is in person this year and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 3 for residents to cast their vote. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. Whitefish, Montana - Ballotpedia Kearns, who is not affiliated with the other unsuccessful candidates, said she was compelled to run for the school board due to her strong resume and leadership skills, and based on her belief that the most important decisions in government are made on the local level. 02 Jul 2023 00:58:20 GMT (1688259500286 . 312 E. Second Street Morrow has been a dancer her whole life. Why do you want to serve as a trustee? Privacy Policy Its rewarding and important work, and I was happy and proud to have been a part of it. Terms of Use | He offered so much, he contributed so much stability, great leadership, was part of building committees and really built a lot of schools in the past 8.5 years, in a really productive way, she said. 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. Janet Protasiewicz for Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court . 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. Meetings; Minutes; Trustees; Trustee Handbook; Policies; 2019-2025 Strategic Plan; How do school boards work in Montana? Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. When considering the issues facing the school district, continuing to adapt to the issues arising from the pandemic is definitely on her mind, she notes.