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.. I did it all by myself, she said. 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. 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 . The district wants to emphasize the importance of coming forward to share any concerns regarding electronic or other forms of communication.. 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. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Arts in educational leadership with an endorsement in administration before moving back to Montana. Dr. Hocker has been Superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools since 2018. 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. 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. Six. This honor continues to speak to our staff, administration, and the students of Whitefish High School and our entire district. Some school board members that spoke with the Daily Montanan said they have received offensive messages but nothing that has escalated to the point of violent threats. Members Present: Chairperson Pat Jarvi, Dave Fern, Brian McDowell, Eric Hosek, and Ruth Harrison. 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. 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. 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. 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. A mom is accusing the Whitefish Bay School District of discriminating against racial minorities because it has denied her daughter special education services. THE COLUMBIA Falls School District is in what's known as Phase III, which makes the use of masks optional. As a result, we deliver exceptional client experiences that require . Hocker has been superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools since 2018. Even if petitioners meet the threshold by the Dec. 29 deadline, the following steps are unclear. 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. Join or sign in to find your next job. 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. 311 California Ave. Subject matters will come and go. Congratulations to all the contestants and good luck to the three heading to the state competition! Fulfills other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent. packet at the District Office at 600 2nd St E in Whitefish, Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Manage and continually develop all safety and housekeeping efforts in the Recycled Fiber Plant and Bale Receiving Warehouse. 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. Superintendent's Message Staff . "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. Lengacher, though, said he had no problem with his address being posted online but had issues with part of the intention, which he said he believes was to make school more members lives more difficult. Parental rights have become another tool to recruit community members to show up and protest mask mandates and other things, McAdam said. There is also a Bulldog tip line available on each school website. 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. Salary Class: Full Time, Exempt. "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. 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.. For more information, please click on the link above. We have achieved this by all working together. "We recognize how challenging the last 17 months have been during this global pandemic," Means said. 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. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.44Position . Email search21@cdaschools.org to submit a question to be considered for the public forum. 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. During the meeting, trustees heard input from 41 members of the public. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish PIlot). energy as they continue to grow on this journey. I will help make the transition to the next Superintendent a smooth and positive process for all.. Chairwoman Jen Brumley said the board feels very fortunate to have two excellent candidates. The framework and assistance are also provided for other cooperatives. Masks also will be optional but strongly encouraged at Kalispell Public Schools, following a decision by that district's board earlier this week. Help us tell stories like this one and get other great perks by joining the Editors Club for as little as $5 per month. 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. 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. Glassdoor has salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, and hourly pay based upon employee reports and estimates. Orozco has been director of elementary education, then assistant superintendent of elementary education and instruction, since 2015. 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. Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! 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. Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 per year. Elsie Arntzen, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, walks into Parental Rights Education Action meeting at Crosspoint Church in Missoula on Nov. 1, 2021. 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. 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. Short biographies of each candidate were included in Means email, which was sent out prior to the interviews. . 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. 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. (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. In this phase, mask wearing is up to the individual and we will not be screening students every day at the door," Superintendent Wick said in his letter. They have God-given rights protected by the constitution.. 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. The main entrance to the new Muldown Elementary School building. Trustee Bennetts Director of Business Shea . Bloom has taught second and third grades at Muldown Elementary for the past 27 years. He was superintendent of the Big Horn School District in Cowley, Wyo., from 2007 to 2018. 406-755-7000. Her resignation press release noted that she continues to be humbled by the support of the Whitefish community, the quality of educators and the opportunity shes been given to serve.. Hill transitioned from principal of Glacier High School in Kalispell to . Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and It is a full-time position due to the large number of independent school districts in Flathead County (23). Montana School Boards Association director Lance Melton maintained Flathead County District Court still will need to determine if the petitions meet legal standards. Lake whitefish, the primary Great Lakes species, was one of the highest quality food fishes ever discovered throughout the world. 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. Whitefish School District No. Beacon file photo Heather Davis Schmidt, the superintendent of Whitefish School District, has. In 25 years, Melton said he has never seen a recall presented to voters. Whitefish Public Schools mission focuses on. 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 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. The superintendent shall coordinate with the county health department and Board Chair to determine whether face coverings are a necessary response to a potential or actual COVID-19 outbreak., Paatalo also said the board, in failing to allow for public comment after Boksich interpreted the survey results, violated Montanas Constitutional Right of Participation. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Mack started his career in education as a teacher with experience teaching second through eighth grade on San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in San Carlos, Arizona, and in the North Dakota towns of Stanley and Jamestown. Hocker received his doctorate in educational leadership from Idaho State University in 2016 and his masters degree from ISU in 1999. 1470 & 1490 Garay Ln #1490-01, Pt Washington, WI 53074 is a 790 sqft, 2 bed, 1 bath home. She also has served as the Whitefish Education Association president for the past two years. All materials can be accessed at www.whitefishschools.org on the WHS Expansion Needs link. Muldown Elementary School is named after former Whitefish Schools Superintendent, ski pioneer, and prominent community member, Lloyd "Mully" Muldown. 44 and High School met in regular session on November 10, 2009 in the District Board Meeting Room. They did so with support from the highest elected school official in the state, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, and with encouragement from Moms for America, a group at the forefront of the parental rights movement whose president, Kimberly Fletcher, was involved inorganizingStop the Steal events and attended the Jan. 6 Stop the Steal riot at the U.S. Capitol. Join to apply for the Substitute Custodian role at WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44. wfbschools.com - Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn 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. Beale holds two masters degrees in teaching and learning and school leadership. Currently, we are only able to do fingerprints by appointment only. (click here for directions). 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. "You are a public school board, not a private school board and your deliberations should reflect such," Smith asserted in his letter. Paatalo said interest on Facebook is high, but gathering the 2,391 required signatures for each petition in person has been difficult. But youre their champion government, is not it.. Privacy Policy "Ms. Myrahs rich background in educational research and effective practice, her passion for students and learning, and her demonstrated leadership within our district will help the School District of Whitefish Bay move forward consistent with its areas of focus and state-wide initiatives, Woodard said. 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. Even outside the scope of the recall, parents in Whitefish and the Flathead have been agitating against school boards and mask mandates. Its an honor to work in an effort to build upon the excellence of education we have in Whitefish. Kalispell, MT 59901 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. Prior to that, he was principal of an elementary school on Minot Air Force Base and was principal of Central Elementary in Tioga, North Dakota. 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. I just got really mad at that meeting, and I spent three weeks writing and researching.. The person selected will replace outgoing Principal Linda Whitright, who is retiring at the end of the school year, capping 28 years at Whitefish School District. Even outside the scope of the recall, parents in Whitefish and the Flathead have been agitating against school boards and mask mandates. Privacy Policy 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. 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. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy 727 East Idaho Last week in Missoula, however, a suggestion to shoot superintendents by a lawyer who said he was making a play on words in a joke elicited strong statements of condemnation both from Missoula County Public Schools and Superintendent Arntzen. In its own way, the resource rivaled the great forest of white pine or the buffaloes on the western plains. 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. Listing for: Whitefish School District. 406-293-4124. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates . 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. With 10 years of experience as an administrator, Webster is currently the principal of Madison Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona. 44 and High School District Board Room January 10, 2023 . But Paatalo disagreed with Boksichs assertion that recommended could mean required just as much as it could mean optional. Whitefish School District seeks a Principal to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. 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.