The district will not screen students coming into schools. He also said he understood what he was signing up for: Part of our job is to make difficult decisions, and those decisions will be met with disconnect and disagreement, and that is part of the work.. With 10 years of experience as an administrator, Webster is currently the principal of Madison Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona. In 2016 he was named Wyoming Superintendent of the Year. Even if petitioners meet the threshold by the Dec. 29 deadline, the following steps are unclear. (Dec. 20, 2022) Coming off of its second community engagement meeting on December 14, Whitefish School District is seeking additional community feedback about the need for expansion at Whitefish High School and the activities complex. 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. Email search21@cdaschools.org to submit a question to be considered for the public forum. I will help make the transition to the next Superintendent a smooth and positive process for all.. Under Montana law, a separate recall petition is required for each trustee. 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. Elsie Arntzen, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, walks into Parental Rights Education Action meeting at Crosspoint Church in Missoula on Nov. 1, 2021. I did it all by myself, she said. Im humbled, honored, and just thankful for this opportunity, Means said. 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. 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). 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. She holds a bachelors degree from California State University, in Fresno, California and a master's degree from Concordia University in Irvine, California. Viewers will be able to provide comments on the candidates responses. The statement added that it was important to inform families within the district of the situation and that the district took the appropriate action. 406-293-4124. First, a little about the history. A bit about us: We are a family company; we believe each project is an opportunity to unite the shared values of all, building it to create something significant. Myrah has served as the district's director of curriculum and instruction for four years. It is a "sounding board", assisting school boards, educators, parents, students, and communities to understand federal, state, and local laws relevant to education. Muldown Elementary Principal-Whitefish School District Position Vacancy Muldown Elementary Principal beginning 23/24 school year. If face coverings are optional and the number of active COVID-19 cases in Flathead County increase to the point of threatening school closures, the Board of Trustees authorizes the superintendent to implement a requirement for face coverings to be worn in identified District buildings until such time as the Board of Trustees can adopt an applicable district requirement, the policy said. 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. "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. "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. She said she was upset the board did not allow for public comment during deliberation among trustees about the mask policy. As in many communities struggling with the COVID pandemic, the situation in Whitefish has turned neighbor against neighbor, exacerbating political differences. Superintendent's Message Staff . The board also made allowances for extenuating circumstances, such as a potential or actual COVID-19 outbreak. Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt, right, at a Whitefish School Board meeting. It states, the public has the right to expect governmental agencies to afford such reasonable opportunity for citizen participation in the operation of the agencies prior to the final decision.. Help us tell stories like this one and get other great perks by joining the Editors Club for as little as $5 per month. Whitefish High School recently earned another high achievement by ranking 3rd in the state of Montana by U.S. high schools in 2022 Best High Schools, published by U.S. News. There have been no deaths in the age group. Our developmental music program provides a solid foundation for Whitefish students as they prepare for Middle and High school music programs. Prior to teaching in Whitefish, she taught grades second and fourth in Kelso, Washington, for six years and served as a K-8 summer school director for two years. The County Superintendent has general supervision of the public schools of the county. Mr. Fisher further indicated that the Weed District would continue to provide weed education and perform survey work if grant funds are received. Six candidates were interviewed April 1 and 2, including Drea Beale, Lisa Bloom, John Coyne, Henry Mack, Catey Nasello and Sharon Webster. Hill transitioned from principal of Glacier High School in Kalispell to . Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates . Whitefish were everywhere--in all the lakes and on all the shores. In 2021, there were 84 efforts to recall school boards, according to Ballotpedia. 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. Full Time position. And in a survey of 106 staff who are not part of the two unions, there were 64 votes for an optional policy. Trustee Bennetts Director of Business Shea . 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. She also has credentials in K-8 multiple subject teaching and K-12 administrative services. Paatalo said interest on Facebook is high, but gathering the 2,391 required signatures for each petition in person has been difficult. 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. How much do Whitefish Bay School District employees make? Libby, MT 59923 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. Even outside the scope of the recall, parents in Whitefish and the Flathead have been agitating against school boards and mask mandates. 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. 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. Our young musicians offer music performances for their parents and community throughout the year. We have many resources to help our community learn more and continue our conversation about the future growth of Whitefish High School.. Superintendents Welcome August 1, 2022 In my role as superintendent of Whitefish Schools, I continue to come to work every day excited about the opportunity to serve our students, families, and staff. In Whitefish Schools we believe: Teaching and learning occurs effectively in both collaborative and independent processes, driven by students and teachers.Working together develops mutual respect, strong relationships, and trust within our schools and community.Whitefish Public Schools provide a foundation for an informed democracy. I care deeply about all of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and the community of Whitefish, Davis Schmidt said. Fletcher has been quoted multiple times saying, we will not co-parent with the government, a phrase that appeared on many signs at a recent parental rights rally at the Montana State Capitol. (click here for directions). The board last week voted to offer Means a three-year contract for the position, and is expected to vote on the final contract next month. New Online Community Survey Open Through January 16. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. 406-755-7000. When you have the State Superintendent of Public Schools encouraging parents to organize against school board decisions, its alarming. Minutes from the August meeting also do not show any violent threats lobbed at the board. This honor continues to speak to our staff, administration, and the students of Whitefish High School and our entire district. 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. Purpose & Scope: Reports directly to the Technical Service Director and has primary responsibility for the direction of the workforce to achieve all safety, food safety, and quality goals as set forth by facility management. 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. She previously served as the Executive Regional Director of the. 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.. They have God-given rights protected by the constitution.. 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. That, however, represents a big drop of 44% in the annual net loss of students to MPS. State epidemiologists would later say the move by the governors officespread misinformation. Superintendent of Schools The County Superintendent of Schools is elected for a four-year term and must hold a current Montana Teaching Certificate with a minimum of three years teaching experience. The Trustees of Whitefish School District No. (School board recalls) are very complicated and barely used, Melton said. Whitefish Public Schools mission focuses on cultivating and supporting a community . Published on www.firebrickgroup.com 26 Feb 2023. For a board to conduct itself in this manner lacks the basic integrity required of a politician.. Hocker received his doctorate in educational leadership from Idaho State University in 2016 and his masters degree from ISU in 1999. 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. Mack is principal of Roosevelt Elementary in Dickinson, North Dakota, a position hes held for 16 years. The County Superintendent also fulfills state responsibilities for the home school population. Nonetheless, across the country, similar efforts have been growing. Website Disclaimer. But the previous high during the last 13 years was 38 recall attempts in 2010. 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. (Courtesy photos) by WHITNEY ENGLAND Whitefish Pilot | April 22, 2021 1:45 PM Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. While I welcome spirited debate, I denounce in the strongest manner violent or abusive rhetoric of any sort. 311 California Ave. 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. While in Washington, he taught language arts and social studies at the middle school level and coached. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "You are a public school board, not a private school board and your deliberations should reflect such," Smith asserted in his letter. Paatalo said she was not at the Moms for America meeting on Sept. 1 and said she has never heard of the group but she supports parental rights. Davis Schmidt will continue to fulfill her full responsibilities through the remainder of the school year. Terms of Use | My husband now spends significant time traveling, making it much more difficult for our children and us, she said. The County Superintendent of Schools is elected for a four-year term and must hold a current Montana Teaching Certificate with a minimum of three years teaching experience. In a news release, Whitefish Bay School Board President Pam Woodard said Myrahs current leadership position with the district and her previous experiences make her well-suited to provide continuity and vision for the school district. 2023 Flathead Beacon, All Rights Reserved. I am enthused and proud to serve our district as interim superintendent.". 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. I just got really mad at that meeting, and I spent three weeks writing and researching.. However, there will still be quarantine requirements for infected people who aren't vaccinated. In its own way, the resource rivaled the great forest of white pine or the buffaloes on the western plains. And when the government moves against it, I would say the government is the one with the movement, not us. Any questions should be directed to the administrators of this or any other specific sites. Whitefish School District Address 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 USA Industry Education Report Job Most Popular Elementary Principal Job Categories Elementary Schools Elementary School School Administration Bilingual Elementary Teacher Other Helpful Pages Related To Elementary Principal Elementary Principal Salaries All Jobs The Missoula County Public Schools board will interview one person in its second attempt at a superintendent search this school year. A mom is accusing the Whitefish Bay School District of discriminating against racial minorities because it has denied her daughter special education services. Myrah received an elementary education degree from Concordia University Wisconsin, a masters degree in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, and an educational specialist degree equivalency in school administration through St. Marys University of Minnesota. 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. Whitefish Bay School District | Whitefish Bay WI He settled down in Whitefish though, and his own children have attended Whitefish Schools. The Flathead County Election officials told the Whitefish Pilotthey have never dealt with a recall before and are taking the process step by step. But youre their champion government, is not it.. District 203 superintendent honored by state association. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 406-755-7000. Back in 2013-14 the system lost 6,891 students through open enrollment and gained just 731 students . As a result, we deliver exceptional client experiences that require . Contact Us Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 2023-2024 Incoming Freshmen Q & A The WHS Counselors will be available at the Junior High Parent Teacher Conferences on 3/2/3023, to answer any questions you may have regarding your student's high school registration. Whitefish Public Schools mission focuses on cultivating and supporting a community . Hocker and Orozco will also meet with district administrators, principals and teachers and will participate in a one-hour public forum to be live-streamed on the district's YouTube channel. In my role as superintendent of Whitefish Schools, I continue to come to work every day excited about the opportunity to serve our students, families, and staff. His interview will be held on Tuesday, March 7. 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. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.44Position . Whitefish Bay: Dogs, Cats, Pets Up For Adoption Nearby, Local Jobs: Check Out Who's Hiring In The Whitefish Bay Area, Dan Knodl Wins Republican Primary For State Senate Special Election. she said. Orozco has been director of elementary education, then assistant superintendent of elementary education and instruction, since 2015. While our success remains high, as I reflect on the past few years, I remain particularly proud of, how nimble and flexible we all have been. A campaign to recall all members of the Whitefish school board is underway, The Daily Montanan reports, with supporters arguing trustees ignored parents constitutional rights by not allowing the right of participation when deciding to implement a mask mandate in the district for children not old enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We have achieved this by all working together. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44 Whitefish, MT. 1470 & 1490 Garay Ln #1490-01, Pt Washington, WI 53074 is a 790 sqft, 2 bed, 1 bath home. Her administrative experience also includes serving as principal of a public charter high school in Oakland, California. Step One: If the Teachers' Rights Committee determines that the grievance is meritorious, it shall provide written notice to the Superintendent of its intent to submit the grievance to arbitration within twenty days after receipt of the Board's decision. She also has served as the Whitefish Education Association president for the past two years. 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. The Whitefish School Board will reconsider the mask guidelines when vaccines become available for children younger than 12, or by the Oct. 12 board meeting, Means said. 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. We will continue to strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of the health and safety of our district.". Job in Nye - MT Montana - USA , 59061. 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 Listing for: Whitefish School District. Six. Previously, they were mandatory for students and staff to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 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. 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. "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. Opens in a new tab. Terms of Use | copyright 2023 Dr. Hocker has been Superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools since 2018. In that same month the COVID-19 pandemic made its way into Montana, forcing schools to close and transition into virtual learning, and Means new role became a lot more complicated. "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. Pre-Decorated Products Youth Mask Colors Pro Fit Mask Colors Neck Gaiter Colors Seamless Mask Colors Ladies Interlock Cardigan Colors Interlock 1/4 Zip Colors Unisex Jersey Long Sleeve Tee Colors Unisex LS PosiCharge Competitor Tee Colors Unisex Fan Favorite Hoodie Colors Muldown Elementary School is named after former Whitefish Schools Superintendent, ski pioneer, and prominent community member, Lloyd "Mully" Muldown. 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. 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. Whitefish School District seeks a Director of Student Services to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. Trustee Boksich WHS Principal Drown Salary Class: Full Time, Exempt. DeVries is the director of Love Lives Here, an anti-discrimination group in the Flathead and part of the Montana Human Rights Network. Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. 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. Underly, superintendent of the Pecatonica School District in southwest Wisconsin, has the support of many left-leaning groups and unions. Privacy Policy Heather Davis Schmidt, the superintendent of Whitefish School District, has submitted her resignation to the board of trustees effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Whitefish School District Your purchase today gives 10% back to your school! The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. The union surveys were the only two to feature a strongly recommended policy, while the family and non-union employee surveys only listed a recommended option. Whitefish School District Back to top Whitefish independent High School Education Foundation About Whitefish Superintendent's Corner Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS Expansion Update Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster EMERGENCY School Closure Information Join to apply for the Principal (Beginning 23/24) role at WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44Principal (Beginning 23/24) role at WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44 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. Whitefish school board recall effort is emblematic of bigger movement. 208-664-8176. His office also published a series of essays that cast doubt on the wide body of research that has shown the efficacy of Masking. 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. We are also looking forward to our staff and community getting a chance to meet them and share their thoughts.". Deadline: March 20, 2023 Complete job description & application are available at SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT: Making the final decision on this matter is exclusively the responsibility and purview of the board as a whole, Hanson said in an email. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Arntzen spoke at a parental rights event in Missoula. 44 and High School District Board Room January 10, 2023 . Join to apply for the Substitute Custodian role at WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44. The goal is control, and when it comes to schools, it is about deconstructing an institution that they have not liked for a long time, he said. 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. "Students and faculty who have been vaccinated will not need to quarantine if they are exposed and asymptomatic. Short biographies of each candidate were included in Means email, which was sent out prior to the interviews. Kalispell, MT 59901 The two employee unions in the district, the Whitefish Classified Employees Association and the Whitefish Education Association were also surveyed. The other 22(d)2 schools are Whitefish in Paradise, Mackinac Island, DeTour, and Beaver Island. "We are rallying, not only to have our voices heard regarding the clear disregard for the popular opinion and over reaching mandate, but we are rallying as a community that is tired of watching the policies being pushed upon our community by like-minded individuals as yourselves.". Superintendent As the superintendent of the Whiteford Agricultural School District, it is my sincere pleasure and honor to serve this amazing learning community and school family. "I am blessed with an ability to love and understand people and what motivates them.". 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. I am inspired by their resilience and positive. Elementary School, School Principal, Education Administration. "While opinions certainly vary on mitigation strategies, we are all ultimately after the same goal keep our kids healthy and learning together in our schools. and Whitefish have experienced significant population growth and property inflation in recent years, more so than others . COEUR dALENE The search for a new Coeur d'Alene School District superintendent has been narrowed to two. Still, Cherilyn DeVries, who attended the Moms for American meeting, said Arntzens participation fortified the idea that anti-mask parents have the right to refuse to abide by mask mandates in schools. Superintendent House requested two changes to the agenda: Cancel the JMG Program - presenter is . Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Our school district is truly an exceptional place to learn." Heather Davis Schmidt will fulfill remainder of school year, search committee to seek replacement. Job specializations: Management. 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. 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