Whitefish Public Schools public meetings in 2023
45 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish school board will discuss results of a community poll on WHS expansion (potential bond), consider a $12,255 donation for the WHS Band trip to NYC, review a draft Community Engagement Plan, and vote on policy updates for public charter schools and memorials. The board will also approve personnel hires and consent agenda items including accounts payable.
- Discussion of WHS Expansion Beacon Research poll on potential bond issue
- Donation of $12,255 from 99Pledges LLC for WHS Band trip to New York City
- Review of draft Community Engagement Plan
- Approval of Policy 1650 (Public Charter Schools) and Policy 8310 (Memorials)
- Personnel hires: Madison Casazza, Jenny Krasteva, Catherine O'Brien, Adam Roth, and substitutes
7-12 Scheduling Committee Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools 7-12 Scheduling Committee will hold a discussion on the 7-12 Scheduling and Teaming Concept, facilitated by Rob Watson. No formal action is expected; the agenda includes only procedural opening items and this single discussion item.
- Discussion of 7-12 Scheduling and Teaming Concept (facilitated by Rob Watson)
Muldown Scheduling Committee Meeting
This is a meeting of the Muldown Scheduling Committee to discuss the school schedule. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and public comment. The main item is a facilitated discussion by Rob Watson on the Muldown schedule; no proposals or dollar amounts are mentioned.
- Muldown Schedule Discussion facilitated by Rob Watson
- Public Comment period for items not on the agenda
Board of Trustees Policy Committee Meeting
The Policy Committee will discuss and receive information regarding two specific board policies. The items include a review of Policy 1650 concerning Charter Schools and Policy 8310 concerning Memorials.
- Discussion of Policy 1650: Charter Schools
- Discussion of Policy 8310: Memorials
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will hold a monthly work session to discuss the Whitefish School District (WSD) Strategic Plan and Graduate Profile. Darlene Schottle will facilitate a review of recent stakeholder survey feedback and input from a K-12 Connect meeting. No formal action is expected; the session is for information and discussion only.
- Discussion of WSD Strategic Plan and Graduate Profile based on recent survey and stakeholder feedback
7-12 Scheduling Committee Meeting
The 7-12 Scheduling Committee will hold a discussion on scheduling and teaming concepts for grades 7 through 12. The meeting includes opening procedures and public comment, with the main action item being a facilitated discussion by Rob Watson. No decisions or votes are scheduled.
- Discussion of 7-12 Scheduling and Teaming Concept (facilitated by Rob Watson)
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will consider approving the superintendent evaluation tool, Policy 1650 on public charter schools, and updates to the Emergency Operations Manual. Trustees will also vote on personnel hires including coaches and support staff, and receive reports on fall activities, WHS expansion, and October finances.
- Action on Superintendent Evaluation Tool
- Approval of Policy 1650 (Public Charter Schools)
- Annual update of Emergency Operations Manual
- Personnel hires: coaches, cook, crossing guard, paraeducator, and 11 substitutes
- Discussion of Whitefish High School expansion update
7-12 Scheduling Committee Meeting
The Whitefish Public Schools 7-12 Scheduling Committee is holding a meeting to discuss and consider a scheduling and teaming concept for grades 7 through 12. The agenda includes opening procedures, public comment, and one discussion/action item. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the item is for discussion and information.
- Discussion of 7-12 scheduling and teaming concepts (facilitated by Rob Watson)
Board of Trustees Policy Committee Meeting
The Whitefish School Board Policy Committee will meet to discuss a proposed new policy, Policy 1650. The agenda includes only this one action item, along with procedural opening items and public comment.
- Discussion of new Policy 1650 (no details provided in agenda)
Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will hold a special meeting to canvass the official results of the October 3rd WHS Bond Election and vote to approve them. The meeting otherwise consists of procedural opening items and public comment.
- Canvass of the October 3rd WHS Bond Election results (Action item, approval recommended)
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
This is a monthly work session of the Whitefish School Board. The main agenda item is a discussion-only listening session to gather stakeholder input for updating the district's strategic plan and graduate profile. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Discussion of WSD K-12 Connect Strategic Planning Listening Session
- Review of survey and school-based action plans attached to agenda
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Public Schools Board will vote on several actions, including approving the September meeting minutes and a donation from the Whitefish Community Foundation. Trustees will consider two mental‑health and student‑support programs presented by the district Multi‑Tiered System of Supports coordinator. Additional items include approval of new 4th‑grade social studies curriculum materials and a slate of personnel hires.
- Approve September 2023 meeting minutes
- Approve donation from Whitefish Community Foundation (approval recommended)
- Approve Parent Guidance.org and Rural Behavioral Health Institute programs
- Approve 4th‑grade Social Studies curriculum materials
- Approve recommended personnel hires for various teaching and support positions
Board of Trustees Superintendent Evaluation Committee
The Whitefish School Board's Superintendent Evaluation Committee will meet to discuss the evaluation tool and procedures for the superintendent. No decisions or votes are on the agenda; the meeting is solely for discussion. Public comment is allowed on items not on the agenda.
- Discuss Superintendent Evaluation Tool and Procedures
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will hold a monthly work session with a single substantive item: a discussion and self evaluation of the board's performance, facilitated by board chair Darcy Schellinger. The agenda also includes procedural items such as call to order, revision of agenda, and public comment. No other action items or decisions are listed.
- Board self evaluation discussion using a provided tool and guide
Board of Trustees Superintendent Evaluation Committee
The Board of Trustees Superintendent Evaluation Committee is meeting to discuss the superintendent evaluation tool and procedures. This is a discussion-only item with no announced vote or decision. Public comment is allowed.
- Discuss Superintendent Evaluation Tool and Procedures (attached document: 'Updated SI Eval Work in Progress.pdf')
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will discuss and possibly approve the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan, along with updated COVID-19 guidelines. They will also consider Policy 2332, personnel hires, and hear reports on the WHS expansion, enrollment, and financials.
- Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan and COVID-19 guidelines (action)
- Policy Update 2332 (discussion and possible action)
- Personnel hires including Carissa Denning, Azarel Everts, Drew Larion, and others
- WHS Expansion information (discussion)
- Accounts payable and payroll consent agenda
Monthly Work Session and Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will hold a work session and special meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including the final version of the October 3rd mail election ballot with updated taxpayer impact amounts about 38% lower than originally expected. They will also consider approving a College and Career Readiness textbook, out-of-district student enrollments, and review assessment data and building action plans. Agenda items include discussion of parent guidance resources and communication about the WHS expansion.
- Final October 3rd mail election ballot presented for approval with updated taxpayer impact ~38% lower than expected
- Proposed adoption of Savvas College and Career Readiness textbook for Whitefish High School
- Approval recommended for out-of-district students Sierra Gibb, Reece Levanen, and Trystan Toavs
- Curriculum Director Lisa Bloom to review WSD assessment data from 2022-23 school year
- Principals to present building action plans for WHS, WMS, and Muldown
Board of Trustees Superintendent Evaluation Committee
This is a procedural meeting of the Whitefish School Board's Superintendent Evaluation Committee. The committee will discuss the superintendent evaluation tool and procedures based on individual trustee input forms.
- Discuss Superintendent Evaluation Tool and Procedures (attached: 22-23 Individual Trustee Input Superintendent Eval Form)
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will consider and possibly approve the final 2023-24 budget, an update to the COVID-19 safety plan, new and revised policies, and contracts including an activity transportation agreement and a donation from the Broussard Charitable Foundation. The meeting also includes personnel hires and a consent agenda for accounts payable and out-of-district student enrollment.
- Final 2023-24 budget approval
- Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and COVID-19 guidelines update
- New and revised policies (1000-2000 and 3000-8000 series)
- Activity transportation contract with Rocky Mountain Transportation, Inc.
- Donation from Broussard Charitable Foundation
Board of Trustees Policy Committee Meeting
The Policy Committee will meet to discuss and review policy revisions and new policies. The agenda consists of procedural opening items and a discussion/information session regarding district policies.
- Policy revision and new policy discussion
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
The board will hold a work session to discuss board governance roles, hiring procedures including administrative hiring, end-of-year reflection and exit interview procedures, and a draft communications channel document. No formal actions are scheduled; all items are discussions.
- Board Governance Role Review
- Hiring Procedures including administrative hiring
- End of Year Reflection and Exit Interview Procedures
- Communication Channels Document
Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to consider and possibly approve a $13,383 renewal of membership with the Montana School Boards Association for the 2023/2024 school year. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as call to order, agenda revision, and public comment.
- Discussion and possible action on renewing Montana School Boards Association membership for $13,383
Board of Trustees Policy Committee Meeting
The Board of Trustees Policy Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to school board policies, with a single discussion item and no specific decisions listed. The agenda also includes procedural items and public comment.
- Policy Revision Discussion — committee reviewing unspecified policy changes
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will discuss and vote on several items at its July 2023 business meeting, including a preliminary 2023-24 budget, a proposed engagement letter with D.A. Davidson for underwriting a potential high school bond issue, renewal of the pupil transportation contract with Rocky Mountain Transportation, and updates to COVID-19 safety plans. The board will also consider personnel hires, donations, and various agreements.
- Engagement letter with D.A. Davidson for underwriting services for a potential high school bond issue
- Preliminary 2023-24 budget for review and discussion
- Renewal of pupil transportation contract with Rocky Mountain Transportation for 2023-24
- Donation to WHS Band (amount unspecified) and WEA/WSD Jazz Band MOA
- Whitefish Fire Department Rescue Care Agreement for 2023-24
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will consider and possibly approve a bond resolution calling for a mail ballot election on October 3, 2023, to fund expansion of Whitefish High School and the Activities Complex. Other action items include renewing the pupil transportation contract with Rocky Mountain Transportation for 2023-24, issuing an RFP for activity transportation services, and approving a list of personnel hires. The board will also review updates to the COVID-19 Safe Return Plan and the ARP ESSER spending plan.
- WHS Expansion Bond Resolution calling for a mail ballot bond election on Oct 3, 2023
- Pupil transportation contract renewal with Rocky Mountain Transportation for 2023-24
- RFP for activity transportation services
- Approval of 14 personnel hires including teachers, coaches, and support staff
- Update and possible approval of COVID-19 Safe Return Plan and ARP ESSER plan
Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish Board of Trustees will consider approving the 2023-2024 collective bargaining agreement reached through interest-based bargaining with the Whitefish Education Association. The board will also discuss a World Languages program highlight and receive feedback on the district's ARP ESSER and Safe Return to In-Person Instruction plans. Action items include authorizing a bond counsel engagement letter with Dorsey for the WHS Expansion Bond Issue, hiring several staff members, and accepting a donation to the WHS Band.
- Approval of WEA/WSD 2023-2024 collective bargaining agreement
- Engagement of Dorsey as bond counsel for WHS Expansion Bond Issue
- Personnel hires: Alex Benz (WHS Business Teacher), Shaun Forrest (WHS Assistant Golf Coach), Keli Miller (Muldown Interim Assistant Principal), Grace Stonely (Muldown Special Education Paraeducator), Thomas Waddell (WHS Math Teacher)
- Donation to WHS Band (amount not specified in agenda)
- Discussion of ARP ESSER and Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
WEA/WSD IBB Meeting
The Whitefish Educator Association and Whitefish School District are holding an interest-based bargaining meeting. The session is scheduled for discussion regarding the current bargaining process.
- WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining discussion
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will meet on May 9, 2023 to approve April minutes and discuss several action items. Major items include a recommendation to fund a WHS building and athletic complex expansion with an approximate $33.7 million bond, and a review of the draft Safe Return to In‑Person Instruction plan and existing COVID‑19 guidelines. The board will also consider the 23/24 collective bargaining agreement, the results of the recent school election, and staff renewals and hiring recommendations.
- WHS Expansion Recommendation – administration proposes approx. $33.7 million bond for school and athletic complex (see 5_9 WHS Expansion PDF).
- Review and approval of the 5/9/23 Safe Return to In‑Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan and continuation of the 7/19/22 COVID‑19 Guidelines (Phase III).
- Approval of the 2023‑24 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Whitefish Classified Employees Association.
- Presentation of the Canvass Election results for two trustee seats and the general fund operating levy.
- Approval of 2023‑24 staff and extra‑duty renewals and hiring recommendations for teachers and support staff.
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees- K-12 Connect
The Whitefish School Board will hold a work session to discuss and gather feedback on two topics: Professional Learning Communities/Early Release collaboration time, and the district's use of American Rescue Plan (ARP ESSER) funds and the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is focused on stakeholder input.
- Discussion of WSD K-12 Connect PLC/Early Release collaboration time
- Feedback sought on ARP ESSER and Safe Return to In-Person Instruction plan
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
WCEA/WSD IBB Meeting
The Whitefish School District and the Whitefish Community Education Association (WCEA) are holding their initial interest-based bargaining session. No specific proposals or actions are listed on the agenda; this is a preliminary discussion.
- WCEA/WSD initial Interest Based Bargaining discussion
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The board will discuss and potentially approve a joint facility use agreement with the City of Whitefish, hear the 2021-22 audit report, and review results from a recent WHS expansion poll. Action items include personnel hires, non-renewal of three ESSER temporary staff, and transfer of $41,990.56 in unspent FSA funds. The board will also consider updates to the COVID-19 safety plan and guidelines.
- WSD/City of Whitefish Joint Facility Use Agreement for possible approval
- 2021-22 Audit Report presentation
- WHS Expansion Poll Results shared by superintendent
- Personnel hires for multiple temporary and permanent positions
- Non-renewal of three ESSER temporary employees
WEA/WSD IBB Meeting
This is a meeting between the Whitefish School District and the Whitefish Education Association for Interest Based Bargaining. The agenda lists only a discussion item with no specific proposals or decisions. The session is procedural, focused on ongoing contract negotiations.
- Discussion of WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining — no details provided in the agenda
WEA/WSD IBB Meeting
The Whitefish School Board and the Whitefish Education Association are meeting for interest-based bargaining discussions. No specific proposals or action items are listed on this agenda, only a general discussion item.
- WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining discussion (no details provided)
WEA/WSD IBB Meeting
The Whitefish School Board is holding a discussion on WEA/WSD interest-based bargaining. The agenda lists this item solely as a discussion, with no votes, contracts, or specific decisions scheduled for this meeting. The in-person session is located at the Whitefish School Board Meeting Room on March 15, 2023.
- Discussion on WEA/WSD interest-based bargaining
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will discuss and take action on the 2023-24 General Fund budget projection and proposed operating levy amount. Other action items include a contract for WHS baseball, a proposal for WHS expansion polling from Beacon Research, and revisions to COVID-19 safety plans. The board will also consider new course proposals for 2023-2024 and a mid-year thank you to educators. Consent agenda includes personnel hires and out-of-district student requests.
- 2023-24 General Fund budget projection and proposed operating levy amount
- WHS expansion polling agreement with Beacon Research
- Baseball contract for 2023 season
- Safe Return to In-Person Instruction plan and COVID-19 guidelines update
- WHS new course proposals for 2023-2024
WCEA/WSD IBB Meeting
This meeting is the initial Interest Based Bargaining discussion between the Whitefish School District (WSD) and the Whitefish Classified Employees Association (WCEA). No specific proposals or financial details are listed; the agenda only indicates a first discussion session.
- WCEA/WSD initial Interest Based Bargaining discussion
WEA/WSD IBB Meeting
The Whitefish School Board is holding a closed negotiation session with the Whitefish Education Association under interest-based bargaining. No specific proposals or votes are listed on the agenda; the sole item is discussion of the bargaining process.
- WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining discussion — no details provided on specific issues or proposals
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
This is a monthly work session of the Whitefish School Board of Trustees. The agenda includes only procedural items and two discussion topics: Board Governance and a Legislative Update. No specific decisions or votes are scheduled.
- Discussion on Board Governance (Silk)
- Legislative Update (Silk)
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
This monthly business meeting includes discussion and possible action on a three-year superintendent contract extension through June 30, 2026, following a highly effective evaluation. Trustees will also hear updates on Whitefish High School expansion, consider a $5,400 donation from the Whitefish Community Foundation, review course and credit changes for 2023-2024, and vote on resolutions calling for a trustee and general operating levy election on May 2, 2023. Additionally, the board will discuss the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction plan and COVID-19 guidelines, and receive reports on enrollment and staff changes.
- Superintendent contract extension through June 30, 2026, effective July 1, 2023
- Update on Whitefish High School expansion from Cushing Terrell
- Donation of $5,400 from Whitefish Community Foundation
- Call for election on May 2, 2023 for trustee and general operating levy
- Approval of WHS course and credit changes for 2023-2024
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss litigation strategy, with a possible executive session under Montana law. No other action items are on the agenda.
- Discussion of litigation strategy (possible executive session)
WEA/WSD IBB Meeting
The Whitefish Education Association and Whitefish School District are holding an initial meeting for interest-based bargaining. This session is designated for discussion regarding the bargaining process.
- Initial WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining discussion
Monthly Work Session of the Board of Trustees
This is a monthly work session of the Whitefish School Board of Trustees. The board will discuss the Whitefish High School expansion following a presentation from Cushing Terrell representatives. The meeting includes a tour of WHS led by Principal Kerry Drown. Public comment is accepted in person; the Zoom option is view-only.
- WHS expansion presentation and discussion by Cushing Terrell
- WHS tour provided by Principal Kerry Drown
- Procedural items: call to order, revision of agenda, public comment
Special Board Meeting
This special board meeting of Whitefish Public Schools includes a discussion/action item on a safety and security assessment, with a possible executive session. No other substantive items are on the agenda.
- Safety and Security Assessment (possible executive session)
Monthly Business Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Whitefish School Board will consider extending the superintendent's contract to June 30, 2026, following a highly effective evaluation. Trustees will also discuss a $113,363.94 donation from the Whitefish Education Foundation and review the district's COVID-19 safety plan. Action items include approval of accounts payable totaling $2,509,616.15, personnel hires, and the HiSet program application for the high school.
- Possible extension of Superintendent contract through June 30, 2026
- Donation of $113,363.94 from Whitefish Education Foundation
- Accounts payable and payroll totaling $2,509,616.15 for December 2022
- Review and possible action on Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and COVID-19 guidelines
- Discussion and possible action on HiSet Program application for WIHS
Special Board Meeting
The Whitefish School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss the superintendent evaluation. The board may enter executive session as permitted by Montana law. Public comment is allowed in person; Zoom is view-only.
- Superintendent evaluation (possible executive session)
- Public comment period for items not on agenda
- Meeting held in person at 600 E Second Street, Whitefish