That, however, represents a big drop of 44% in the annual net loss of students to MPS. copyright 2023 It's an honor to work in an effort to build upon the excellence of education we have in Whitefish. Whitefish School District seeks a Director of Student Services to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. 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. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. Salary Class: Full Time, Exempt. His interview will be held on Tuesday, March 7. 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. 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. 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. Myrah said she looks forward to the new responsibilities of the position. The district will not screen students coming into schools. THE WHITEFISH School District's COVID-19 guidelines and procedures prioritize in-person learning and also have a layered approach to mitigation strategies within school buildings. McAdam said the recall effort is a continuation of efforts started during the pandemic by anti-government groups to spread misinformation and sow distrust in local government. Chairwoman Jen Brumley said the board feels very fortunate to have two excellent candidates. As Means prepares to settle in further to the superintendent role, he said he looks forward to seeing Whitefish Schools continue to progress in a positive direction. Terms of Use | At the center of her frustration were comments from Whitefish School Board Trustee Jerrie Boksich, who she said misinterpreted survey results by saying she believes strongly recommend or recommend could fall in the required category or the optional category. Matt Jensen, Assistant Superintendent Peter Fusaro, Assistant Superintendent 233 1st Ave East Kalispell, MT 59901 751-3434 Fax: 751-3425 Kila School District #20 Elizabeth English, Principal PO Box 40 Kila, MT 59920 257-2428 Fax: 755-6663 Marion School District #54 Julia Maxwell, Principal 205 Gopher Lane Mr. Fisher further indicated that the Weed District would continue to provide weed education and perform survey work if grant funds are received. Naperville School District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges has been named Superintendent of Distinction for DuPage County by the Illinois . 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. Step Two: 1. Back in 2013-14 the system lost 6,891 students through open enrollment and gained just 731 students . 208-664-8176. The two biggest school districts in the North Valley will take opposite approaches to mask requirements when the school year starts in a couple weeks. Kalispell, MT 59901 copyright 2023 She also has two years of experience as a dean of students and also held a Title I instruction specialist position. powered by Educational Networks . She holds a bachelors degree from California State University, in Fresno, California and a master's degree from Concordia University in Irvine, California. Join to apply for the Principal (Beginning 23/24) role at WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44Principal (Beginning 23/24) role at WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44 In a survey of Whitefish families, more than half of the 832 responses favored a mask-optional policy. Arntzen told the crowd of nearly 100 that she was drafting an administrative rule with Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen that would allow parents to opt out of school board rules. I think strongly recommended can go down with mask required, just as much as it goes up with mask optional.. Even outside the scope of the recall, parents in Whitefish and the Flathead have been agitating against school boards and mask mandates. We want the Whitefish community to be well-informed about expansion information and have an opportunity to provide more feedback regarding our next steps, said Dave Means, superintendent of Whitefish School District. It is a "sounding board", assisting school boards, educators, parents, students, and communities to understand federal, state, and local laws relevant to education. Shakers Cigar Bar is Shakin' Up the Local Jazz Scene! Coeur d'Alene's own assistant superintendent of elementary education and instruction, Kate Orozco, and Shon Hocker, superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools in Dickinson, N.D., were announced Thursday as the two finalists. Since the boards decision on Aug. 12, the Facebook group Take Back Whitefish has been promoting the recall, with Paatalo as one of the moderators, as has conservative news outlet theMontana Daily Gazette. 600 East 2nd St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . The letter also noted that the situation did not rise to a level of needing to report it to local law enforcement, but the district administration and the school board of trustees followed legal guidance and protocols by informing the appropriate state education entities. Zeroing in on the mask issue has moved away from even being about masks to being about freedom., He said he understands the frustration coming from parents, but he would like the tone of discussions to be less strident: They feel powerless in some way around their childs wellbeing, and I will never begrudge a parent for standing up for their child, but how we are doing it is not the most productive way.. Like the other candidates, her career began in the classroom where she served as an intervention teacher, literacy facilitator and district teacher on special assignment in Gilroy Unified School District in Gilroy, California. After the unanimous approval by the board to offer him the contract, Means expressed his gratitude for the support and his readiness to continue leading the district. It is a full-time position due to the large number of independent school districts in Flathead County (23). 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. The district said that people with questions or concerns can email info@whitefishschools.org. Posted 12:00:00 AM. 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. 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. Staff Directory Photo Album Contact Us Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster Save Money on your 2023 Tax Bill MAKE A DONATION EARLY Gavigan, who has served as superintendent for three years, said Whitefish Bay schools are in good hands with Myrah. Whitefish School District [[upButtonMessage]] full time. Arntzen also is not the states only elected official to weigh in on the power struggle between parents and school boards. She also has served as the Whitefish Education Association president for the past two years. She said Fletcher prompted people to start groups and show up to local school board meetings saying, just showing up puts the fear of God in them. Additionally, DeVries said Fletcher told people to have respect for school board members but also made it clear that this was a culture war, telling the crowd, No one has a constitutional right. Whitefish school board recall effort is emblematic of bigger movement. Current. Minutes from the August meeting also do not show any violent threats lobbed at the board. Our achievements validate our district priorities of growth for each student, using data to drive improvement, and providing safe, inclusive and welcoming schools. Orozco has been director of elementary education, then assistant superintendent of elementary education and instruction, since 2015. "We recognize how challenging the last 17 months have been during this global pandemic," Means said. Gifted and Talented. Terms of Use | Job specializations: Education. 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. Davis Schmidt will continue to fulfill her full responsibilities through the remainder of the school year. Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt, right, at a Whitefish School Board meeting. And in a survey of 106 staff who are not part of the two unions, there were 64 votes for an optional policy. 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. 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. In a unanimous vote, the board opted to require masks for students, staff, and visitors in K-6 and recommend face coverings for grades 7-12, according to the minutes. "In Phase III, there are several elements that continue as precautions for the spread of disease, including extra sanitation, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and students and staff staying home when sick and symptomatic. Of the 84, only eight have made it to ballots. Matt Smith, a parent in the Whitefish district, criticized the board's decision in a letter to Means and the board, writing: "It was very clear through the words of the board when they stated 63% of parents and teachers voted to have masks be optional, how the large majority of our community stands on this topic. Manage and continually develop all safety and housekeeping efforts in the Recycled Fiber Plant and Bale Receiving Warehouse. The main entrance to the new Muldown Elementary School building. There have been no deaths in the age group. Beacon file photo Heather Davis Schmidt, the superintendent of Whitefish School District, has. Get directions to the Superintendent of Schools. "I am blessed with an ability to love and understand people and what motivates them.". Prior to that he was Superintendent of the Big Horn School District in Cowley, Wyoming, from 2007 to 2018. Whitefish, Columbia Falls schools announce opposite mask policies by LYNNETTE HINTZE and CHRIS PETERSON | August 17, 2021 7:00 AM The two biggest school districts in the North Valley will take opposite approaches to mask requirements when the school year starts in a couple weeks. Laura Myrah, the director of curriculum and instruction for the Whitefish Bay School District, has been appointed to serve as the interim superintendent of the school district. For a board to conduct itself in this manner lacks the basic integrity required of a politician.. 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. Parental rights have become another tool to recruit community members to show up and protest mask mandates and other things, McAdam said. It really is something that Im excited about. Myrah has served as the district's director of curriculum and instruction for four years. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Myrah has spoken on educational initiatives and has written professional journal articles and monthly columns, as well as a book, The Brain Compatible Classroom Using What We Know About Learning to Improve Teaching (ASCD 2003). The other 22(d)2 schools are Whitefish in Paradise, Mackinac Island, DeTour, and Beaver Island. She said she was upset the board did not allow for public comment during deliberation among trustees about the mask policy. 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. Prior to that, Orozco was superintendent of Whitefish School District in Whitefish, Mont., from 2011 to 2015. The trustees unanimously voted to schedule an interview with Micah Hill, who is currently the superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools. My concerns being on a public school board right now are how we as a civilization are treating each other and working through differences, and that is playing out at the local level in some unpleasant ways, he said. Whitefish Public Schools mission focuses on cultivating and supporting a community . We have many resources to help our community learn more and continue our conversation about the future growth of Whitefish High School.. Many of those speaking in favor of a mask mandate asked the trustees to listen to medical experts, but Paatalo was among those who alleged the masks could be harmful. His experience and professional knowledge has enabled him to navigate the changing landscape in a manner that continues to strengthen this district., Means got his start in education by driving school buses while attending the University of Montana because he, enjoyed working with the kids It was just neat to create relationships with kids.. . Website Disclaimer. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Arntzen spoke at a parental rights event in Missoula. (School board recalls) are very complicated and barely used, Melton said. Listing for: Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. Full Time position. Hill transitioned from principal of Glacier High School in Kalispell to . Meeting participants discussed the current need for exploring expansion options, reviewed initial design concepts, cost estimates, and taxpayer impact, and were offered opportunities to give additional feedback. ", copyright 2023 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. "We will continue, as required, with contact tracing and quarantining anyone within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of a confirmed case," Wick said. We have a new location in the Flathead County North Complex. Prior to that, she served as an assistant principal in Tracy Unified School District since 2017. 44 and High School met in regular session on November 10, 2009 in the District Board Meeting Room. Join or sign in to find your next job. I care deeply about all of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and the community of Whitefish, Davis Schmidt said. A mom is accusing the Whitefish Bay School District of discriminating against racial minorities because it has denied her daughter special education services. 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. 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. Members Present: Chairperson Pat Jarvi, Dave Fern, Brian McDowell, Eric Hosek, and Ruth Harrison. Our young musicians offer music performances for their parents and community throughout the year. He was superintendent of the Big Horn School District in Cowley, Wyo., from 2007 to 2018. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Im humbled, honored, and just thankful for this opportunity, Means said. 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. 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. 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. His responsibilities in that role included supervising the special education programs, overseeing section 504 plans for students with disabilities, supporting human resources, and working on homelessness and mental health services. Title: Food Safety/ QA Superintendent. Whitefish School District Other jobs like this full time Published on www.jobposting.com 27 Feb 2023 Position Vacancy Muldown Elementary Principal beginning 23/24 school year. Kalispell, MT 59901 The County Superintendent also fulfills state responsibilities for the home school population. The Whitefish School District is moving forward with planning for a possible high school expansion in order to address the enrollment increases that are occurring now and are anticipated to. Trustee Boksich WHS Principal Drown We Have Moved! COEUR dALENE The search for a new Coeur d'Alene School District superintendent has been narrowed to two. 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. Superintendent's Message Staff . Superintendent House requested two changes to the agenda: Cancel the JMG Program - presenter is . MCPS school board selects 1 applicant for superintendent interview . The movement has resurfaced recently as frustrations mount over the pandemic and its restrictions. She previously served as the Executive Regional Director of the. It is a full-time position due to the large number of independent school districts in Flathead County (23). Coyne has been the assistant principal of Whitefish Middle School and Muldown Elementary since 2012, He started out his career teaching and coaching in Hamilton, where he spent 21 years and then moved to Vancouver, Washington for 10 years. This honor continues to speak to our staff, administration, and the students of Whitefish High School and our entire district. Six. In fact, members of the public did comment at the meeting, even though they didnt have the chance to do so after the motion to require masks was under consideration. Feedback for the board on the public forum sessions may also be sent to search21@cdaschools.org no later than 3 p.m. April 16. copyright 2023 When you have the State Superintendent of Public Schools encouraging parents to organize against school board decisions, its alarming. Of the 84, only eight have made it to ballots. Trustee Bennetts Director of Business Shea . I did it all by myself, she said. He is an award-winning educator recognized across the state and in other various areas for his work in the field, according to the school board. "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. Elsie Arntzen, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, walks into Parental Rights Education Action meeting at Crosspoint Church in Missoula on Nov. 1, 2021. All critical information should be independently verified. "I look forward to building on my existing relationship with students, staff, parents, and community members to not only continue our tradition of excellence but to enhance and expand it. She also has credentials in K-8 multiple subject teaching and K-12 administrative services. Education Based on 10 salaries Teacher 3 salaries School Counselor 3 salaries View More Administrative Based on 2 salaries Executive Assistant 1 salary Clerical 1 salary View More
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