She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. 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.. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. 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). 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. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. 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. Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. P: (4069 862-8600 Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. 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. Whitefish High School Back to top Block Schedule Classes/Homework Staff Directory Photo Album Contact Us Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS PRINCE FREY & PRINCESS FREYA ARE COLBY WHARTON & COLE PICKERT!!! The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. Whitefish School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . For more information on the election call the district office at 862-8640. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. 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. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. 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. For in-depth information, please visit the districts website. Whitefish, MT 59937 Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. Board of Trustees Monthly Work Session. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. 406-862-3505. 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. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. An excellent tradition exists for all Whitefish High School athletic/activities programs. Utilizing resources efficiently can be challenging. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. Several students have displayed their skills and talents by playing in the Glacier Symphony and Chorale which performs across the Flathead County. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Ms. Rachel Anderson . P: (406) 862-8688 I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. Whitefish students are encouraged to take part in after school activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical skills that have lifelong lessons. Suggestions may be selected), To be informed of or opt-out of these cookies, please see our. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. 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. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. 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. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . 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. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. Muldown elementary School. 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. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. I am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. Support should materialize into meaningful accommodation. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. Thats something she believes every child should have. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . You have an incomplete application for Unfortunately, this position is no longer available. 1118 East 7th St., Whitefish, MT 59937 P: (406) 862-8620 F: (406) 730-2176 A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. Listing for: Whitefish School District. Whitefish, MT 59937 She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. 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. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. In addition, students have taken the lead and their voice may be heard on the Big Fish Radio. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. Full Time position. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. Website Disclaimer. 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. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. 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. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. 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. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. Community service projects are greatly encouraged. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. 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).. 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. There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. Staff. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. Ray and Jerries family include 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren plus 24 exchange students who have all attended the Whitefish schools. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. When I talk about moving here and being in the school district, I understand that those values exist here, and I want to guard those and keep those.. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Ms. Rachel Anderson . Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. Privacy Policy Whitefish School District and the surrounding community is bordered by the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley communities of Columbia Falls and Kalispell. 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. Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. P: (4069 862-8600 But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable.. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction .