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School board trustees approve new superintendent's contract

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 10 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | May 31, 2015 9:00 PM

The contract for new Whitefish School District Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt was approved by school board trustees Thursday.

Trustees approved a two-year contract with six “yes” votes and trustee Marguerite Kaminski abstaining.

Davis Schmidt will be paid a first-year salary of $120,000, not including benefits. Her contract begins July 1.

Other benefits include $2,500 for moving expenses.

Davis Schmidt was expected to sign the contract Friday. She will succeed departing Superintendent Kate Orozco.

Davis Schmidt will complete the school year as executive regional director for Region 2 of Missoula County Public Schools.

Prior to that position, she was director of curriculum and Title 1 in Missoula from 2010 to 2011. In 2012, she was named Montana School Administrator of the Year by the Montana School Counselor Association.

Davis Schmidt holds a doctorate in education curriculum and instruction from the University of Montana.


Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].

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