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. (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. Privacy Policy Making the final decision on this matter is exclusively the responsibility and purview of the board as a whole, Hanson said in an email. First, a little about the history. Salary Class: Full Time, Exempt. The office is administrative - performing duties outlined by state law, the Board of Public Education, and the Office of Public Instruction. Her deadline f0r all seven petitions is Dec. 29, and she said shell continue to circulate the petitions in Whitefish. "I am blessed with an ability to love and understand people and what motivates them.". "The board is looking forward to getting to know each candidate better. 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. 727 East Idaho 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. "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. Means is originally from Missoula and also spent time working in Bozeman and Kodiak, Alaska, in his earlier years beginning his career in education. There have been no deaths in the age group. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 2 Vehicles Crushed In Bayshore Mall Parking Garage Collapse, Spring North Shore School for Seniors classes begin March 6. . Assistant to the Superintendent Katie McKay Accounts Payable Specialist Carly Watkins Payroll Specialist Ms. Brianne Fuzesy Technology Integration Specialist . Any questions should be directed to the administrators of this or any other specific sites. Were just kind of trying to hold our ground that weve had since the beginning of time.. Her administrative experience also includes serving as principal of a public charter high school in Oakland, California. I think its funny even to call (parental rights) a movement. The framework and assistance are also provided for other cooperatives. 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. 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. 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.. 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. Bloom has taught second and third grades at Muldown Elementary for the past 27 years. 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. copyright 2023 Current Superintendent Mary Gavigan announced earlier this month that she intends to resign, as she has accepted the position of executive director of CESA #1. I think strongly recommended can go down with mask required, just as much as it goes up with mask optional.. Our developmental music program provides a solid foundation for Whitefish students as they prepare for Middle and High school music programs. Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. Recording of December 14 Community Engagement Meeting, Powerpoint presentation December 14 Community Engagement Meeting, The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Its an honor to work in an effort to build upon the excellence of education we have in Whitefish. 406-755-7000. I think its almost just people asserting their natural positions in nature, she said. In its own way, the resource rivaled the great forest of white pine or the buffaloes on the western plains. Whitefish Bay School District | Whitefish Bay WI Mack is principal of Roosevelt Elementary in Dickinson, North Dakota, a position hes held for 16 years. 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. ", copyright 2023 Kalispell, MT 59901 Nonetheless, across the country, similar efforts have been growing. The County Superintendent has general supervision of the public schools of the county. Dave Means by WHITNEY ENGLAND Whitefish Pilot | January 23, 2021 12:00 AM With overwhelming support from the Whitefish School Board, administrators, staff and community members, Whitefish. The Office of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools is the fiscal agent for two cooperatives - the Northwest Montana Educational Service Agency and the Flathead County Special Education Cooperative. 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.. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. But Paatalo disagreed with Boksichs assertion that recommended could mean required just as much as it could mean optional. I work for every single child, Arntzen, a Republican, told parents in Missoula. 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. Congratulations to all the contestants and good luck to the three heading to the state competition! While all attempts are made to insure the correctness and suitability of information under our control and to correct any errors brought to our attention, no representation or guarantee can be made as to the correctness or suitability of that information or any linked information presented, referenced, or implied. Prior to that he was Superintendent of the Big Horn School District in Cowley, Wyoming, from 2007 to 2018. 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.. The district has 4,500 students and 650 staff. She also has served as the Whitefish Education Association president for the past two years. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT #44 Whitefish, MT. "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.". 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. "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. Laura Myrah is a strong leader with a vision of education that complements the districts beliefs and strategic direction," she said. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career, and citizenship. She also has two years of experience as a dean of students and also held a Title I instruction specialist position. COEUR dALENE The search for a new Coeur d'Alene School District superintendent has been narrowed to two. Nasello is currently principal of Hirsch Elementary in Tracy, California, a position shes held since 2019. But youre their champion government, is not it.. Terms of Use | 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. She also has credentials in K-8 multiple subject teaching and K-12 administrative services. The Missoula County Public Schools board will interview one person in its second attempt at a superintendent search this school year. Location: Green Bay. Listed on 2023-03-02. 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.