(Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. Ray and Jerries family include 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren plus 24 exchange students who have all attended the Whitefish schools. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. I feel this pay it forward, as far as Im incredibly grateful for my career and my education that I received as part of a Montana public school system that allows me to have the life I have today; I want that for every kid.. Privacy Policy There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Speech and Debate activities offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of competitive events at both the local and state level. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. You have an incomplete application for Having spent so much time in education and that I am connected to it in different ways, going back to the thread of wanting to be involved in the community its a pretty obvious way given my work experience, he said. 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. I am running for the Whitefish School Board to bring the community together with a common goal of protecting the innocence of children while ensuring they have access to a quality education. 312 E. Second Street There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. As the election approaches, Kearns hopes voters will keep in mind that although shes new to living in Whitefish, she understands the community and just has a desire to serve for the betterment of local education. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. 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. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. I have a lot of skills and different perspectives and talents to offer in my service so I just felt really strongly that I should jump into that Kearns said. (Provided photos). Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. Drama students in both the middle and high school have opportunities to participate in one act plays, full production plays, and may be viewed by students and by the community alike on several performance dates. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms Current trustees. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. But one main reason is to give back to the community. Other Staff (FTE) Total: 119.50 : Instructional Aides: 28.02: Instruc. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. 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 TalentEd Hire Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Since then shes wanted to find a way she could leverage her skillset and contribute to the betterment of the community running for school board seemed like a great opportunity to do just that. They have been involved in the Whitefish Winter Carnival in many capacities for 30 years including serving as the King and Queen of the carnival in 2016. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. 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. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. While we cannot change the past, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and build a better future. My children will be attending school in the Whitefish district for the next 13 consecutive years. The Zoom option is for viewing and listening only. No jobs currently. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. She taught Education Through Music classes for teachers throughout the state. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. P: (406) 862-8650 With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. The need to provide additional educational and mental health support is a top priority for me. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. As the election approaches, Kearns hopes voters will keep in mind that although shes new to living in Whitefish, she understands the community and just has a desire to serve for the betterment of local education. Staff. Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. 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. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. As much as anything, I want to leverage my experience with schools and with boards to build the best and highest functioning board we possibly can.. Whitefish High School. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. The biggest challenge is to meet the needs and bring kids to a place thats up to speed with what we can give them as far as care and nurturing.. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. We must eradicate the pop politics of the public square to preserve their innocence so they can put their energy into building skills to achieve after high school and build a life for themselves. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. 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. 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. Whitefish, MT 59937 And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. After your information is complete, you will receive a confirmation number, and your information will be saved allowing you to return at any time to submit additional applications. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. 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. 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.. A close family friend, Ben Parsons, passed away from the accident and Bennetts says the community of Whitefish stepped up to support her family during the hardship. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. Diehl says one of his strongest qualities that he would contribute to the board is his ability to listen and his desire to hear all points of the issue before making any recommendations. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable.. Quincy Bennetts is a Montana native who feels indebted to her community of Whitefish and also has an eagerness to put her own skills and personal qualities to use for the betterment of local public schools. Background: Born and raised in Whitefish, graduating from Whitefish High School in 2002; Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Website Disclaimer. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. Lengacher added that he believes all involved in the school district right now are doing wonderful things, but given the support for schools in Whitefish the door is wide open for even more improvements. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. I just think theres lots of possibilities for us to continue to be innovative given the relatively small size and the support for education in Whitefish.. In addition, I have extensive business experience dealing with budgets, personnel and scheduling, and I have held many volunteer roles in the community. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. In addition to working in education in Seattle, Vermont, and Montana, Todd worked at a school in Spain and developed educational and community-based programming in South & Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. No just policy has within its construction the power to excuse child abuse and violation from its effects, whether through denial, ignoring, or in the name of a false, or even a true premise. Whitefish, MT 59937 In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. Support should materialize into meaningful accommodation. Whitefish, MT 59937 She had a great public schooling experience all the way from kindergarten through her postsecondary education at University of Montana, and knows her education has allowed her many opportunities in life. The family enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors and fishing, Lengacher himself says given a free day he would be out on a river fly fishing. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. You may choose to opt-out of ad cookies. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out on April 14 and arrive in voter's mailboxes by next week. Business Teacher. P: (406) 862-8688 I will continue to promote open and honest communication, enrichment for students and mental health programs. 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. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. Whitefish, MT 59937 There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. Written public correspondence can be submitted by emailing the Trustees at trustees@whitefishschools.org or by a written letter sent to the Whitefish School District Trustees at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, MT 59937. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners. 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. P: (406) 862-8620 PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. I think were a growing economy in Whitefish; the challenge would be to serve every member of the community and know what their needs are because theyre coming from all different directions of the country, Morrow said. Education Factions Emerge in Whitefish School Board Race With five candidates seeking two seats on the Whitefish School District Board of Trustees, one candidate's profanity-laced email. First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. Whitefish, MT 59937 I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. (Enter less keywords for more results. (Courtesy photos). District Calendar 22-23 rev_1-11-22.pdf (38 KB) Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots were sent out on April 16. 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. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. I dont know what all our needs are right now, so first of all I want to be a sounding board and listen and learn, Diehl said. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. Currently Jerrie is also serving on the Alpine Theater Project Board of Directors. I don't have a dog in the fight to control families, my dog is in the fight to raise kids the way parents see fit and protect the rights of others to do the same. As an accomplished soccer player, I have helped local soccer teams by assisting in coaching. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Kearns and her family moved to Whitefish in September 2020, although they have been coming to the area to visit often since her husbands family has owned a cabin in Essex for many years. However, I dont claim my diverse perspective is what qualifies me alone for this position. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. 312 E. Second Street The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to. 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. WHS students have the additional opportunity to take part in a variety of interest clubs: Weightlifting, Young Democrats, Math, National Honor Society, United Students, Key Club, Young Life, Computer Club, French and Spanish Clubs. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. Employment Opportunities. I just think theres lots of possibilities for us to continue to be innovative given the relatively small size and the support for education in Whitefish.. As the pandemic narrative on masking and jabs unravels, it's clear our children were subject to political agendas and not health measures. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. P: (406) 862-8688 Staff. | With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. Whitefish High School. A close family friend, Ben Parsons, passed away from the accident and Bennetts says the community of Whitefish stepped up to support her family during the hardship. In addition, students have taken the lead and their voice may be heard on the Big Fish Radio. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. Whitefish, MT 59937 We have lost sight of the value in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. 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. F: (406) 862-2586, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support, Community Survey for Whitefish High School Expansion Extended, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining Meeting. Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley, 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support. 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). F: (406) 862-2586, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support, Community Survey for Whitefish High School Expansion Extended, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining Meeting. The need to consider expanding the high school and requesting a bond from the voters is impending for the district. P: (4069 862-8600 Whitefish School District. that will not be submitted. I am a Whitefish native and graduate of Whitefish Schools; I greatly value the educational opportunities offered by our schools. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. Privacy Policy F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. I believe the most important issue facing the district right now is whether it has lost the ability to protect the kids from political divisiveness within the community and the country. Following in her grandparents and parents Griz Alumni footsteps, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula earning a Bachelors in Exercise Science, and graduate degree with a Masters in Physical Therapy. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. This can be done by continuing to responsibly spend covid funding to remedy these issues. However she does believe a huge concern facing the school district is continuing to recover from the educational setbacks and emotional disturbances to students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. Having spent so much time in education and that I am connected to it in different ways, going back to the thread of wanting to be involved in the community its a pretty obvious way given my work experience, he said. To support the ongoing work of this site, we display non-personalized Google ads in EEA countries which are targeted using contextual information only on the page. She says she always had a desire to get into local politics and government and knows she has a lot to offer in the role. She attended Whitefish public schools from kindergarten to her graduation in 2002. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. 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. Athletic/activities programs function as an integral part of the total curriculum by providing a variety of experiences in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and by helping the individual students develop a healthy self concept. 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. 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!!! Her post high school education included an undergraduate degree in History from University of Puget Sound (2006) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University (2012).