Whitefish Public Schools public meetings in 2020
42 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees will vote on a consent agenda that includes $2,143,606.11 in November payments and personnel changes. Discussion items include recognizing custodial staff for COVID-19 efforts, an update on the Muldown Elementary project, and a presentation on the College and Career Readiness initiative and new Career Counselor position at Whitefish High School.
- Approval of $2,143,606.11 in November payments: vendor checks $654,452.55, payroll checks $44,891.56, payroll direct deposits $1,444,262.00
- Recognition of maintenance and custodial staff for cleaning and sanitizing during COVID-19
- Discussion on Muldown Elementary project update and budget as of November 30, 2020
- Presentation on College and Career Readiness initiative including graduation rate trends and collaboration with local businesses
- Personnel hires: Jacob Ruzicka as freshman boys basketball coach, Jordan Sweeney as special education paraeducator at Muldown
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
This is a monthly work session of the Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees. The board will discuss effective boardsmanship, including an appreciation exercise, a presentation by Ivan Lorentzen, and review of KSS protocol. No votes or action items are scheduled for this meeting.
- Boardsmanship discussion with Ivan Lorentzen
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will discuss the November 10th approval of a hybrid to hybrid-plus transition plan and consider possible action on a range of education delivery options, from onsite to offsite and hybrid instruction, for all grades. The meeting also includes procedural items such as approval of minutes and public comment.
- Discussion of the Board's November 10th approval of a hybrid to hybrid-plus phased-in transition plan
- Discussion and possible action on education delivery options for all grades, from onsite to offsite and hybrid instruction
- Approval of minutes from the November 10 business meeting
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will decide between two COVID-19 learning model options: continuing the K-12 hybrid model or phasing in younger grades for more in-person days. Administration recommends one option based on recent data. The board will also discuss updates on the Muldown Project, a resilience training program, and several consent agenda items.
- Muldown Project update with budget as of 10/31/2020
- Accounts payable and payroll for October totaling $3,414,166.68
- Personnel hires: two basketball coaches, a paraeducator, and an orchestra teacher
- Ratification of WEA/WSD and WCEA/WSD Memoranda of Agreement
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will hold a work session to discuss the PLC Assessment Process. Presentations will cover an overview, a 2nd‑grade teacher assessment, and the math (Algebra and Geometry) teacher assessment. The session will include a reflection protocol before adjourning.
- Introduction and Overview of the PLC Assessment Process
- 2nd Grade Teacher PLC Assessment Process Presentation
- WHS Math Teacher (Algebra and Geometry) PLC Assessment Process Presentation
- Head, Heart, Hand Reflection Protocol
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
This monthly business meeting includes action items on board policy revisions, MTSS grant applications, and approval of the consent agenda covering $2,764,769.17 in payments and personnel changes. Discussions include a WHS activities update, board characteristic data usage, and the assessment process. The board will also hear reports from the superintendent and director of business.
- Consent agenda: accounts payable/payroll totaling $2,764,769.17 for September 2020
- Approval of board policy revisions recommended by the Board Policy Committee
- Action on MTSS grant applications
- Personnel hires: 24 positions including teachers, coaches, paraeducators, and custodians
- Discussion on WSD assessment data review process
Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will vote on a recommendation to return K-8 students to full in-person instruction and implement a hybrid-plus model for grades 9-12 starting October 12. The administration retains authority to adjust phases based on health indicators and staffing. A remote-only option remains available for all students.
- K-8 return to 100% in-person instruction starting Oct 12 with remote option
- Grades 9-12 hybrid-plus model: 4 days in-person, remote Wednesday through first semester
- Administration retains authority to modify phases based on FCCHD guidance and staffing
- Remote-only schedule continues as an option for all students
Special Board Meeting Delayed due to Google Meet National Outage
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will discuss and vote on continuing the hybrid learning model due to COVID-19. The administration recommends continuation based on local health guidance. The meeting was delayed due to a national Google Meet outage.
- Discussion and action on next steps for COVID-19 hybrid model
- Recommended action: Continuation of hybrid model
- Administration retains authority to adjust phases as needed
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will hold a monthly work session, primarily featuring a discussion on the K-12 Math Program presented by Ryder Delaloye and teachers. The agenda also includes procedural items such as call to order, revision of agenda, and public comment. No action items or decisions are scheduled.
- Highlight on K-12 Math Program presented by Ryder Delaloye and teachers
Board Policy Committee Meeting
This is a Board Policy Committee meeting with a single discussion item on board policy updates. The agenda consists of opening procedures, public comment, and one discussion item. No specific policy changes or decisions are listed; the item is a discussion only.
- Discuss Board Policy Updates (discussion only, no specific changes listed)
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The board will discuss internal and external COVID-19 indicators and a plan to transition to up to 100% on-site learning by September 28, 2020, pending health department recommendations. Other discussion items include updates on social-emotional learning programs and new math curriculums, a presentation on the Governor's Coronavirus Relief Fund budget, and a consent agenda with payments, a mask donation, and personnel changes.
- Discussion of COVID-19 indicators and transition to full on-site learning on September 28
- Presentation on Governor's Coronavirus Relief Fund budget
- Consent agenda includes accounts payable and payroll totaling $1,765,783.15
- Acceptance of donation of 2,250 cloth masks valued at $5,762.50 from Foxy Nails of Kalispell
- Personnel actions: hires, resignations, and retirements, including a new school counselor
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will consider declaring an unforeseen state of emergency related to COVID-19 through June 30, 2021, and vote on the Reopening Transition Plan. The plan uses an alternating/remote model from August 26 to September 25, with intention to move to Phase II (full on-site) starting September 28, subject to health guidance. The board will also discuss internal and external COVID-19 indicators monitored by the WSD Covid Task Force.
- Declaration of Emergency under Montana Code Title 20, Chapter 9, Part 8 through June 30, 2021
- Reopening Transition Plan with alternating/remote schedule Aug 26–Sept 25, then Phase II plan for up to 100% on-site
- Monitoring of external (Flathead City-County health) and internal (school district capacity) COVID-19 indicators
- Approval of minutes from the August 11 regular meeting
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will hold its monthly business meeting, with key actions including approval of the final 2020-21 budget and updated reopening guidelines. Trustees will also discuss COVID-19 guidelines and procedures, and hear updates on the Muldown Project and Sports Complex. The consent agenda includes accounts payable totaling over $1.9 million and personnel hires.
- Approval of final 2020-21 budget presented by Business Director Shea
- Vote on updated Whitefish School District Reopening Guidelines
- Discussion of Whitefish School District Covid-19 Guidelines and Procedures
- Accounts payable for July 2020: $1,912,341.23 in checks plus payroll
- Consent agenda includes renewal of School Resource Officer agreement and interlocal transportation with Olney-Bissell SD
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to vote on a resolution declaring an unforeseen emergency related to COVID-19, which would allow flexibility in school operations through June 2021. The board will also consider approving options for proficiency-based and offsite instruction under state law. Additionally, the board may enter an executive session to discuss litigation strategy.
- Notice for Declaration of Unforeseen Emergency under MCA 20-9-801 through 20-9-806
- Proficiency and Offsite Instruction options authorized through June 30, 2021
- Possible executive session for litigation strategy
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Board will vote on the Whitefish School District Guidelines for Reopening Schools amid COVID-19, discuss the preliminary 2020-21 budget, and review CARES Act grant funding. The consent agenda includes multiple personnel hires, resignations, accounts payable, and an interlocal agreement.
- Vote on WSD Guidelines for Reopening Schools
- Preliminary 2020-21 Budget presentation
- CARES Act grant discussion for safety and academic intervention
- Hiring of Daniel Kohnstamm as 0.5 FTE High School Library Media Specialist
- School calendar adjustment moving PIR day from April 26 to August 31
Board Policy Committee Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board Policy Committee will meet to discuss and potentially revise the Board of Trustees Handbook. The agenda includes opening procedures and public comment, then a discussion of the handbook as the sole substantive item.
- Discussion of Board of Trustees Handbook (no specific changes listed)
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to discuss litigation strategy, which may include an executive session closed to the public. The meeting also includes procedural items such as call to order, agenda revision, and public comment.
- Litigation Strategy Session with possible executive session
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will vote on new math curriculum recommendations and accept an $8,500 bus donation for the FreeFlow program. Trustees will also discuss a Muldown project update, continued membership in the Montana Quality Education Coalition, and a tribute to remote learning during COVID-19. The consent agenda includes over $2.3 million in payments, personnel hires, and an interlocal transportation agreement.
- Math Curriculum Review Committee presents recommendations for board approval
- Accept $8,500 donation from 'Older Man Walking' campaign to purchase a used bus for WHS FreeFlow program
- Discuss and act on continued membership in Montana Quality Education Coalition
- Muldown Project update presented by Powell
- Consent agenda includes checks $1,134,406.29 and payroll $1,239,315.86, plus personnel hires, resignations, and retirements
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees will hold a work session to discuss planning for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Interim Superintendent Dave Means will lead the discussion, focusing on scenarios and the need for flexibility. The meeting also includes procedural items such as call to order, agenda revision, and public comment.
- Discussion on planning for 2020-2021 school year with COVID-19 scenarios led by Interim Superintendent Dave Means
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda but within board jurisdiction
- Procedural items: call to order, revision of agenda, adjournment
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will hold a special meeting to swear in three newly elected trustees (Katie Clarke, Shannon Hanson, Jerrie Boksich) via acclamation. Following the oath of office administered by the Flathead County Superintendent, the board will elect a new Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and District Clerk for reorganization. Public comment is invited for items not on the agenda.
- Oath of office for trustees Katie Clarke, Shannon Hanson, Jerrie Boksich by Flathead County Superintendent Jack Eggensperger
- Election of Board Chairperson, then Vice Chairperson and District Clerk
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees will discuss graduation planning for Whitefish High School and Whitefish Independent High School using the latest health official guidelines. They will also receive updates on remote learning and professional development for 2020-2021. The board will vote on a consent agenda including payments totaling over $2.9 million and insurance contract renewals.
- Graduation planning update with input from local health officials
- Remote learning update from principals for each school
- MTSBA membership renewal for 2020-2021 at $11,178
- Consent agenda includes $1,740,011.60 in checks and payroll of $1,235,532.17
- Property and liability insurance renewal with MSPLIP for $105,735
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to discuss litigation strategy, with the possibility of entering an executive session closed to the public as permitted by Montana law. The agenda otherwise consists of procedural items: call to order, agenda revision, and public comment.
- Litigation strategy session with possible executive session under Montana law
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will decide whether to declare an unforeseen emergency due to COVID-19 through June 30, 2020, and whether to continue remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The board will also vote on a memorandum of agreement regarding tenured teacher evaluations not completed before the school closure.
- Declaration of unforeseen emergency through June 30, 2020 based on COVID-19 risks
- Recommendation to continue remote learning for the rest of the school year with last day June 11
- Memorandum of Agreement on incomplete tenured teacher evaluations due to COVID-19 closure
Special Board Meeting
This special board meeting includes discussion of a litigation strategy session (possible executive session) and an action item to approve a negotiated resignation of Kelly Talsma, a counselor at Muldown School. The board will also take public comment on non-agenda items.
- Litigation Strategy Session (possible executive session)
- Negotiated resignation of Kelly Talsma, Muldown School Counselor
- Public comment on items not on the agenda
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will consider approving a recommendation to switch the district's health insurance to a fully insured plan through the Montana Unified School Trust starting July 1, 2020. It will also review and potentially approve the Muldown Project Phase V guaranteed maximum price amendment with Martel Construction. The meeting includes routine actions such as approving March meeting minutes and a consent agenda covering $2,889,887.27 in payroll and expense payments. Additional discussion items cover math curriculum feedback and remote‑learning updates.
- Approve recommendation to move district health insurance to a fully insured plan via MUST
- Approve Muldown Project Phase V guaranteed maximum price amendment (Amendment 6) with Martel Construction
- Approve consent agenda payments totaling $2,889,887.27 for payroll and expenses (Feb 26–Mar 31, 2020)
- Approve minutes from March 2020 board meetings
- Discuss student feedback on Muldown math curriculum pilots
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will discuss and likely approve a contract for an interim superintendent for the 2020-2021 school year. The meeting also includes public comment and procedural items.
- Consideration and possible approval of an interim superintendent employment contract for the 2020-2021 school year
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Special Board will consider five items. It will recommend approval of memoranda of agreement with WCEA and WEA for paid sick leave during the week of March 16‑20, 2020. It will also recommend approval of MOAs with both organizations for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act beginning the weeks of March 23 and March 30, 2020. Finally, the board will approve a COVID‑19 Plan of Action to be submitted to the Governor’s Office.
- MOA between WCEA and WSD for paid sick leave week of March 16‑20, 2020
- MOA between WEA and WSD for paid sick leave week of March 16‑20, 2020
- MOA between WCEA and WSD for Families First Act beginning week of March 23, 2020
- MOA between WEA and WSD for Families First Act beginning week of March 30, 2020
- COVID‑19 Plan of Action for submission to the Governor’s Office
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees will vote on two action items: authorizing the superintendent to provide off-site instruction using any appropriate methods, and allowing proficiency determinations for students without requiring minimum instructional hours. The meeting includes virtual joining options.
- Authorize Superintendent to provide off-site instruction (recommended approval)
- Authorize Superintendent to make proficiency determinations for students (recommended approval)
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
- Virtual meeting options via Google Meet and phone
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees will decide whether to declare an unforeseen emergency under Montana law (20-9-801 through 20-9-806) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration would waive the 48-hour notice requirement for special meetings and allow electronic meetings. The meeting is a special session convened with waived notice.
- Declaration of unforeseen emergency pursuant to MCA 20-9-801 through 20-9-806 related to COVID-19
Work Session of the Board of Trustees - CANCELED
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees work session scheduled for March 17, 2020 was canceled. Because the meeting was canceled, no board decisions or votes were taken. The agenda had listed opening procedural items and a discussion item highlighting district programs on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and energy management.
- Opening items: Call to Order, Revision of Agenda, Public Comment (procedural)
- Program Highlight: Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Energy Management, Farm to School, Freeflow, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, Energy Corps
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss COVID-19 planning. Flathead City-County Health Department Officer Hillary Hanson will provide an overview, followed by Whitefish School District's Quick Response Team leader Kerry Drown on planning efforts and next steps.
- Presentation by Health Department Officer Hillary Hanson on COVID-19 overview
- Whitefish School District's planning efforts and next steps from Quick Response Team leader Kerry Drown
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to select a new superintendent. The agenda includes public comment and a single action item for the superintendent selection.
- Selection of new superintendent (Action item)
Special Board Meeting
This special board meeting is focused on the superintendent hiring process. The board will discuss conducting employment reference checks on finalists, potentially in executive session, and then take action to select a new superintendent. Public comment is also permitted for items not on the agenda.
- Discussion of superintendent finalists and possible executive session for employment reference checks
- Action to select a new superintendent
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Special Board will open with procedural items, allow public comment, and conduct interviews with candidates for superintendent. No decisions are listed; the interviews are for discussion purposes only.
- Call to Order (opening item)
- Revision of Agenda (opening item)
- Public Comment period (opening item)
- Superintendent candidate interviews (discussion item)
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board is holding a special meeting to conduct superintendent candidate interviews. The agenda includes procedural items such as call to order, revision of agenda, and public comment, but the sole discussion/action item is the candidate interviews.
- Superintendent candidate interviews (Discussion/Action)
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The board will vote on approval of Amendment 5 for the Muldown Project Phase IV guaranteed maximum price with Martel Construction and on the technology package including Promethean ActivPanels and network intercom/clock systems. Trustees will also set 2020-21 levy amounts for general operating, special education, and building reserve. Discussion items include a student gear sculpture at Whitefish High School and a non-school sponsored activity request at Muldown Elementary.
- Muldown Project Phase IV guaranteed maximum price (Amendment 5 with Martel Construction) – action item
- Muldown Project technology package (Promethean ActivPanels, network intercom/clock) – action item
- Set 2020-21 levy amounts (general operating, special education, building reserve) – action item
- Non-school sponsored activity request at Muldown Elementary – action item
- Community recognition for Big Mountain Ski Club providing ski opportunities for students
Special Board Meeting
This is a special board meeting of the Whitefish Public Schools board. The main item is a discussion and possible action on superintendent applicant screening, which may include an executive session as permitted by Montana law. The meeting also includes procedural items such as call to order, agenda revision, and public comment.
- Discussion/action on superintendent applicant screening, with potential executive session
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will discuss and vote on the Muldown Elementary furniture package bid and playground equipment bid, and consider election resolutions for annual trustee and levy elections. Trustees will also review the math curriculum review process and accept two $5,000 donations from the Broussard Foundation. The consent agenda includes approval of January payroll, personnel hires and resignations, and a leave of absence.
- Approve J2 Business Products, Inc. for Muldown Elementary furniture package
- Approve Northwest Playground Equipment, Inc. for Muldown playground
- Call for election resolutions for trustee and general operating levy elections
- Accept two $5,000 donations from the Broussard Charitable Foundation for middle and high school
- Math curriculum review process presentation by students and committee
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to discuss litigation strategy, possibly in executive session. No other substantive business is on the agenda; the meeting consists of procedural opening items and the single discussion item.
- Litigation Strategy Session – possible executive session for legal discussion
CANCELED - Special Board Meeting
This special board meeting of the Whitefish Public Schools was canceled. No decisions or discussions took place.
- The only item listed was a Litigation Strategy Session, which was not held due to cancellation.
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss results from the Board Self-Assessment Survey and conduct the annual evaluation of the superintendent. These are discussion-only items with no formal action scheduled. Public comment is permitted for items not on the agenda.
- Discussion of Board Self-Assessment Survey (BSAS) results facilitated by Dr. Ivan Lorentzen
- Annual evaluation of the superintendent
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board of Trustees will hold its monthly business meeting, approving a consent agenda that includes December payroll and expense warrants totaling approximately $2.55 million, as well as personnel hires and an out-of-district student placement. Discussion items include an update on the Muldown Project, a proposed Employee Assistance Program, and recognition of the Whitefish Education Foundation and Family Involvement Team.
- Approve December payroll warrants ($46,309.19), direct deposits ($1,198,095.34), and expense warrants ($1,308,851.31) — total $2,553,255.84
- Personnel hires: Steven Miller (WHS art long-term guest teacher), Sherri Sadino (WHS assistant Special Olympics coach), Craig Lake (WMS .67 FTE health enhancement), Amanda Schram (Muldown secretary), Dustin Herbert (Perkins Grant coordinator)
- Out-of-district student enrollment request for Belladonna Sluder
- Discussion: Muldown Project update (file attached)
- Discussion: Employee Assistance Program presentation by Business Director Shea