The district will not screen students coming into schools. Jenny Paatalo, a Whitefish parent who filed the recall petitions told the Daily Montanan while she did not agree with the boards decision, she decided to launch the effort after becoming displeased with the boards conduct and the process that led to the mask mandate for K-6 graders. In his comments about the masking policy, Matt Niel called the school board trustees bullies and narcissists, and he said that hed decide on masks for his kids himself, according tomeeting minutes. Prior to that, she served as an assistant principal in Tracy Unified School District since 2017. Montana School Boards Association director Lance Melton maintained Flathead County District Court still will need to determine if the petitions meet legal standards. There is also a Bulldog tip line available on each school website. County health will be verifying vaccine status for those who are seeking to avoid quarantine. Job specializations: Management. Parental rights have become another tool to recruit community members to show up and protest mask mandates and other things, McAdam said. With 10 years of experience as an administrator, Webster is currently the principal of Madison Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona. Trustee Shannon Hanson also said that being under the watchful eye of citizens is part of the job, and he welcomes efforts to hold school boards accountable to the law. Mack is principal of Roosevelt Elementary in Dickinson, North Dakota, a position hes held for 16 years. She holds a bachelors degree from California State University, in Fresno, California and a master's degree from Concordia University in Irvine, California. Apply Join or sign in to find your next job. Of the 24 respondents in the WCEA survey, 59 percent voted for an optional or recommended policy, while 41 percent voted for some requirement level. Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. I fulfill my leadership role and job duties daily with great pride, integrity, and a belief in all children.. It is a full-time position due to the large number of independent school districts in Flathead County (23). Whitefish School District powered by Educational Networks However, there will still be quarantine requirements for infected people who aren't vaccinated. Libby, MT 59923 Viewers will be able to provide comments on the candidates responses. The pandemic is in its 20th month, and so far, 14,003 children aged 0 to 11 have been infected with COVID-19, with 58 of them needing to be hospitalized, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Beacon file photo Heather Davis Schmidt, the superintendent of Whitefish School District, has. 311 California Ave. "I carry the belief and conviction that if our students are to develop the Portrait of a Graduate characteristics that adequately prepare them for their future, then we must continue to improve and work together to create the learning conditions that develop these skills and dispositions in our students, Orozco said. Shakers Cigar Bar is Shakin' Up the Local Jazz Scene! Use of this site is subject to the Flathead Beacon's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. At the September 1 Moms for America meeting in Whitefish, speakers including Kimberly Fletcher, president of the group, reinforced the idea that anti-mask parents have the right to refuse to abide by mask mandates in schools. I think its funny even to call (parental rights) a movement. While in Washington, he taught language arts and social studies at the middle school level and coached. They have God-given rights protected by the constitution.. In the event that active COVID-19 cases increase to the point of threatening school closures, Kalispell's policy gives Superintendent Micah Hill the authority to implement mandatory face. Orozco has been director of elementary education, then assistant superintendent of elementary education and instruction, since 2015. wfbschools.com - Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn Superintendent Means presented for the Board's review, discussion and possible action the 12/13/22 draft Safe Return to In -Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan and the 7/19/22 Whitefish School District COVID -19 Guidelines and Procedures, which includes the latest draft of the Whitefish 1470 & 1490 Garay Ln #1490-01, Pt Washington, WI 53074 is a 790 sqft, 2 bed, 1 bath home. 727 East Idaho The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. Many have been more than pleased with how Means filled his superintendent roles throughout the pandemic, and that was proven through several letters written to the school board. People are already feeling emboldened to claim their rights are being violated when they dont agree with decisions by elected officials, DeVries said. Vice-Chair Schellinger Curriculum Director Bloom . Im humbled, honored, and just thankful for this opportunity, Means said. Superintendent House requested two changes to the agenda: Cancel the JMG Program - presenter is . Mr. Fisher further indicated that the Weed District would continue to provide weed education and perform survey work if grant funds are received. AIR QUALITY AND VENTILATION About the Program: Operation of the outdoor air quality program includes collecting data from monitoring sites in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls and administering the Flathead County Air Pollution Control Program. energy as they continue to grow on this journey. 44 and High School District Board Room January 10, 2023 . THE COLUMBIA Falls School District is in what's known as Phase III, which makes the use of masks optional. Paatalo said interest on Facebook is high, but gathering the 2,391 required signatures for each petition in person has been difficult. The County Superintendent has general supervision of the public schools of the county. Our developmental music program provides a solid foundation for Whitefish students as they prepare for Middle and High school music programs. Whitefish Bay School District | Whitefish Bay WI Community members may view the recording of the December 14 meeting, including the PowerPoint that was presented, as well as provide more feedback by completing an online survey that will be open until January 16. This program regulates open burning during those times of the year when it is allowed and issues daily burning restrictions based on data . But youre their champion government, is not it.. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Arts in educational leadership with an endorsement in administration before moving back to Montana. Her deadline f0r all seven petitions is Dec. 29, and she said shell continue to circulate the petitions in Whitefish. We will continue to strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of the health and safety of our district.". Dr. Hocker has been Superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools since 2018. Nasello is currently principal of Hirsch Elementary in Tracy, California, a position shes held since 2019. P: 406.862.8640 F: 406.862.1507. Short biographies of each candidate were included in Means email, which was sent out prior to the interviews. Even outside the scope of the recall, parents in Whitefish and the Flathead have been agitating against school boards and mask mandates. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A new Muldown Elementary principal is anticipated to be announced in the coming week, according to an email sent to families from Whitefish School District Superintendent Dave Means. Underly, superintendent of the Pecatonica School District in southwest Wisconsin, has the support of many left-leaning groups and unions. His office also published a series of essays that cast doubt on the wide body of research that has shown the efficacy of Masking. According to the letter, the investigation was conducted by an outside agency and evidence from the investigation indicated that a Whitefish Middle School teacher failed to maintain appropriate, professional correspondence with several students. Listing for: Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. Full Time position. It really is something that Im excited about. But no one piece of evidence swayed us one way or another., Lengacher said he also disagrees with the allegations that there was not a reasonable opportunity for citizen participation: The challenge here is that so few people engage with school boards, so there is a lack of understanding of how school boards work and how to engage with them.. We are also looking forward to our staff and community getting a chance to meet them and share their thoughts.". Sarah Scott's role at Whitefish High School includes facilitating the district's goal to become recognized as a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), and she said Craig has been instrumental. Shepreviously served as an elementary school principal in the Elmbrook School District and West Bend Joint School District and a coordinator for gifted and talented education and an elementary and middle school teacher in the Port WashingtonSaukville School District. 727 East Idaho Even if petitioners meet the threshold by the Dec. 29 deadline, the following steps are unclear. Mack holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Jamestown College and a masters degree from Northern State University, both located in North Dakota. During the meeting, trustees heard input from 41 members of the public. Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume. Whitefish School District. After the Montana Legislature took action to limit the power of local health boards, he said the fight to rally conservatives shifted to school boards. "The board is looking forward to getting to know each candidate better. Glassdoor has salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, and hourly pay based upon employee reports and estimates. Any questions should be directed to the administrators of this or any other specific sites. Bundy capitalized on the pandemic when he started the Peoples Rights Network to fight back against public health measures being implemented by local health boards. Email search21@cdaschools.org to submit a question to be considered for the public forum. Last spring after an unsuccessful superintendent search to replace former Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt, the district offered the position on an interim basis to Means. The post called the mask mandate policy a power grab, by an overbearing school board. McAdam said posting home addresses of public officials is a move used by anti-government groups to intimidate public officials. The Whitefish School District Board of Trustees is comprised of seven citizens elected to represent the community in setting District policies, adopting the budget, placing tax levies and bond issues on the ballot, hiring personnel including the Superintendent, and for providing the necessary facilities for the education of our community's youth. Muldown Elementary School is named after former Whitefish Schools Superintendent, ski pioneer, and prominent community member, Lloyd "Mully" Muldown. Dave Means by WHITNEY ENGLAND Whitefish Pilot | January 23, 2021 12:00 AM With overwhelming support from the Whitefish School Board, administrators, staff and community members, Whitefish. The other 22(d)2 schools are Whitefish in Paradise, Mackinac Island, DeTour, and Beaver Island. 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. A mom is accusing the Whitefish Bay School District of discriminating against racial minorities because it has denied her daughter special education services. Whitefish School District seeks a Principal to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. "Please know that the district takes communication among and between students, staff and families very seriously and we are here to help respond to concerns you may have," Whitefish superintendent Dave Means wrote in the letter. I embrace the opportunity to be in a learning environment where everyone pursues knowledge and has the opportunity to learn from diverse and enriching relationships," he said. If my employer said to me, I recommend that you go and do such and so to me, that is not like its your option, so I think its kind of in-between, it could go with one side, or it could go with the other, Boksich said in the recording. I did this early because it is critical to the success of Whitefish Schools and our students that we ensure a smooth transition, including the time and opportunity for the Trustees to hire the next Superintendent of Whitefish Schools, Davis Schmidt said in an Oct. 23 statement. And she said shes dismayed that none of the other board members voiced a concern either: The rest of the board members sat there silent, and not a single one of them said Hold on, I dont think recommend means the same as required. Nobody pushed back on that strange narrative. Chairwoman Jen Brumley said the board feels very fortunate to have two excellent candidates. Whitefish School District [[upButtonMessage]] full time. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. Deadline: March 20, 2023 Complete job description & application are available at SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT: The Recycled Fiber Superintendent will focus on the areas of operational best practices, technology advancement, process improvement projects, cost improvement projects, capital justification, and planning activities. His approach was focused, calm, collaborative, and reassuring to all those around him, a letter of support written by a handful of district employees notes. Following a contentious, four-hour meeting Thursday night, the Whitefish School Board voted to require face coverings for students, staff and visitors in kindergarten through sixth grade while indoors, and is recommending masks for students, staff and visitors in seventh through twelfth grades, Superintendent Dave Means said in an email to families and school staff on Friday. Previously, they were mandatory for students and staff to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Privacy Policy Listing for: Whitefish School District. Terms of Use | Presenting to the Board/Getting on the Agenda: Board policy stipulates that persons wishing to make a presentation at our board meetings must contact the Superintendent, a minimum of five business days in advance . DISCLAIMER: No endorsement is intended or made of any hypertext link, product, service, or information either by its inclusion or exclusion from this page or site. Hocker received his doctorate in educational leadership from Idaho State University in 2016 and his masters degree from ISU in 1999. I think strongly recommended can go down with mask required, just as much as it goes up with mask optional.. In 2018 he received the CSPD Leadership Award for Region V in Montana, which is an award recognizing leaders who have positively impacted the lives of paraeducators and students. I care deeply about all of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and the community of Whitefish, Davis Schmidt said. Heather Davis Schmidt will fulfill remainder of school year, search committee to seek replacement. and Whitefish have experienced significant population growth and property inflation in recent years, more so than others . Privacy Policy The office includes the superintendent, Cal Ketchum, a finance technician, Cheryl Morgan, and an administrative assistant. There is a strong commitment to growth for each student in the Whitefish School District and there is also a direct relationship to our success from the support of the Whitefish community and our parents. The office is administrative - performing duties outlined by state law, the Board of Public Education, and the Office of Public Instruction. Whitefish, MT 59937 P: 406.862.8640 F: 406.862.1507 Website Disclaimer Mission- The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. Current. First, a little about the history. There have been no deaths in the age group. It is a full-time position due to the large number of independent school districts in Flathead County (23). Our school district is truly an exceptional place to learn." Masks also will be optional but strongly encouraged at Kalispell Public Schools, following a decision by that district's board earlier this week. packet at the District Office at 600 2nd St E in Whitefish, Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. New Online Community Survey Open Through January 16. Prior to that he was Superintendent of the Big Horn School District in Cowley, Wyoming, from 2007 to 2018. For me, the important thing out of that survey is that it was a clear indication that there was a wide set of opinions in our community, Lengacher said. Beale is currently the principal and superintendent of Fair-Mont-Egan School and has 23 years of experience in education that began with teaching in Maine. Superintendent Fisher suggested to the Board that the Weed District follow the Commissioner's lead and suspend any activity planned for management of aquatic weeds. I abhor personal attacks, whether verbal or otherwise, against my fellow trustees.. Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt, right, at a Whitefish School Board meeting. Our students success through our collaborative work inspires us to do even more on behalf of our students. I am honored to work with such outstanding staff and our board of trustees who are committed to supporting each student to achieve at the highest level. She previously served as the Executive Regional Director of the. The Missoula County Public Schools board will interview one person in its second attempt at a superintendent search this school year. Subject matters will come and go. Two community members and a student will ask the same set of questions selected from public suggestions. Shon is from Idaho and wants to return. A new Muldown Elementary principal is anticipated to be announced in the coming week, according to an email sent to families from Whitefish School District Superintendent Dave Means. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.44Position . One time a person said to me, wow, why would he take that job in a pandemic? Muldown Elementary Principal Linda Whitright said during the meeting. Our Superintendent Superintendent Dan Zorn, October 2021 "Literacy is the most important thing we do!" Contact Us Dr. Dan Zorn - Superintendent Holly Pfenniger - Executive Assistant Office Hours 7:30am-4:30pm Summer Hours 8:00am-4:00pm Address: 2715 Lilac St Longview, WA 98632 Office: 360.575.7016 Fax: 360.575.7022 But the previous high during the last 13 years was 38 recall attempts in 2010. The superintendent, who earlier appeared at an anti-mask rally with parents in Billings, also said she had attended a Moms for America event in Alexandria, Virginia, one week earlier, and she was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with those moms. The trustees unanimously voted to schedule an interview with Micah Hill, who is currently the superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools. Back in 2013-14 the system lost 6,891 students through open enrollment and gained just 731 students . Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates . she said. Please know that the district takes communication among and between students, staff and families very seriously and we are here to help respond to concerns you may have, Whitefish superintendent Dave Means wrote in the letter. A first-term board member, Lengacher has spent 20 years as an educator and served on multiple other boards throughout his career but has not seen so much contention around a single topic as he has with masks. The public may tune in at www.youtube.com/c/cdaschools271 to watch the sessions. So far, Paatalo said she has collected at least around 250 signatures, and its an uphill battle to gather them in person despite the enthusiasm she has sensed on social media. Bloom holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of Montana and a master of education degree from the University of Portland with an emphasis in supervision and leadership. We Have Moved! Posted 12:00:00 AM. Website Disclaimer. But according to several letters and statements of support from community members, school staff and board members, Means stepped into the role and confidently led the district through a vast amount of unprecedented obstacles. Extremist anti-government folks like Ammon Bundy have seized upon the pandemic as a divisive issue to come into communities and further the division and recruit new members.. But Trustee Todd Lengacher told the Daily Montanan the board took a myriad of information into account from a variety of sources, including hours of public comment, letters, advice from medical experts, and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to the survey results in making its decision to mandate masks for K-6 graders.