Three seats open in trustee election
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 8 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | March 7, 2017 2:49 PM
Three Whitefish School Board trustee seats are up for election this spring.
The three-year terms of Shawn Watts, Heather Vrentas and Shannon Hanson are up for election. Hanson was appointed to the board this winter after Dave Fern resigned.
The filing deadline is March 23. Prospective candidates can contact the Whitefish School District main office to apply.
The election is May 2.
Watts currently serves as chairman of the board and was first elected to the school board in 2011. He said he is undecided if he will seek re-election.
“Whether or not I run I would encourage other people who have interest in the school district to put their name in the hat,” Watts said.
Vrentas was also elected to the school board in 2011.
Hanson was selected in January to fill out the term left open when Fern resigned after his election to the Montana Legislature.
Hanson served two previous terms on the school board before losing his bid for re-election to the board in 2012. He was selected to serve as vice chairman of the board in his second term.
As of presstime, Vrentas and Hanson did not return phone calls seeking comment on whether or not they will seek re-election.
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